Climate change expert Helen McGregor is part of a group of scientists who produced a world-first 400-year record of El Nio events.
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But on Friday the University of Wollongong Associate Professor will try to appeal to the hearts and minds of those attending the Global School Strike 4 Climate rally and march in Wollongong.
Associate Professor McGregor will address the crowd before the main event kicks off outside the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Burelli Street from 12pm.
"Sure I'll be talking from a climate science point of view and offer some suggestions and solutions," she said.
"But, one of the main things I want to convey is that each and every one of us can still make a difference.
"Even though our contributions might seem small, together they will add up to a big change.
"This includes everything from participating in these climate activities, raising awareness of the issue to switching off the lights and reducing our consumption of goods because each one of those has an embedded kind of emissions."
Prof McGregor said the government wasn't doing enough on climate change.
"I'm very disappointed they are not doing more," she said.
Prof McGregor added it was encouraging to see young people so passionate about climate justice.
And she welcomed the actions taken by primary and high school students, even though she felt it would be a long time before they could influence the "bigger political picture".
"But I think [activism] really does send a message to those of us who are in a position to make big structural change. It says this is important for their future and really that's what we should be looking at," Prof McGregor said.
The UOW academic and a number of her colleagues have taken leave to attend the rally.
The Mercury understands many UOW students will also attend, including Wollongong Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) member Darcy Turner.
Now is the time for everyone in Wollongong who cares about the climate to come together in protest.
- UOW student and YEA member Darcy Turner
"Around the world we have seen inspiring resistance to the climate disaster with the school strikes and the rise of Extinction Rebellion," he said.
"Now is the time for everyone in Wollongong who cares about the climate to come together in protest."
Mala Elith, a high school student and co- chair of the strike called on people of all walks of life to get involved.
"I'm striking because I care about my future and the environment's future. This world is so beautiful and for it to be ruined would be horrific. I am striking, so why can't you?" she asked.
The Wollongong Undergraduate Student's Association, the UOW branch of the National Tertiary Education Union, the Wollongong Youth Environmental Alliance, the Australian Services Union and the local branch of the Teachers Federation have thrown their support behind the climate strike.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
