This September, school strike movement Fridays For Future calls for a global climate action day. On September 25th, demonstrations and manifestations will take place all across the globe, all adjusted according to Covid-19 circumstances.
Through the current few months, the Coronavirus COVID-19) pandemic has driven activists to find new ways of protest and use digital activism to demand climate action, as movements have not been appropriate. The 25th of September will be the first global action day of the year.
The following months and years will be vital in ensuring a sustained pathway below 1.5 °C increase in global mean temperature, a target stated in the Paris Agreement. If we are to minimize the risks of triggering irreversible chain reactions beyond human control, we need to act now. It is therefore vital that the climate crisis doesn’t get forgotten in the shadow of the coronavirus but is regarded as the utmost priority. Fridays For Future will keep protesting as long as the exploitation of nature is allowed to continue. The form of protest will be adjusted according to local Covid-19 conditions and in places where physical action will be taking place, participants will be asked to take precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 viruses. In cases where physical protest is inappropriate, we will instead turn to digital action.
Sohanur Rahman from Fridays for Future Bangladesh stated, “We are facing climate emergency like flood aftermath super cyclone Amphan amidst coronavirus outbreaks. Our protest was not stooped in the lockdown. COVID-19 brings an opportunity to reboot our old economical model with more care peoples and the planet’s health. We will join the global strike and call global leaders for urgent action and stoping the usual business. Green and equitable recovery needed to protect our future.”
“The pandemic has shown us that politicians have the power to act quickly and consistent with the best available science. But not even amid a pandemic is the climate crisis on hold. No measures have been taken to lower worldwide greenhouse gas emissions in a sustainable and just manner. The billion-dollar-investments that are now made to tackle the pandemic and its aftermath must be in line with the Paris Agreement.” says Eric Damien from Fridays For Future Kenya.
“To actually experience the climate crisis makes you understand the urgency of the situation. Millions are losing their homes and livelihoods, this can no longer exist in a vacuum. We need world leaders to prioritize humanity over greed. The youth are going to come together, over and over again – each time more strategic and united than ever before,” says Disha Ravi from Fridays For Future India.
