Global Climate Protests Demand Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels: Over 500 Gatherings in 50+ Countries
Climate activists around the world took to the streets this weekend to demand an end to the burning of fossil fuels that are contributing to the heating of the planet. With more than 500 gatherings planned in over 50 countries, organizers expect the global turnout to exceed one million people. This could potentially make it the largest international climate protest since the pre-pandemic school strike movement led by Greta Thunberg.
One of the highlights of the protests was a march in New York City, where around 15,000 people were expected to gather on Sunday. The timing coincided with the upcoming UN General Assembly and a climate ambition summit that will take place next week. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to call on governments to strengthen their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The main message of the protests was directed at world leaders, with activists urging a phase-out of the fossil fuel industry. They called for an end to subsidies for oil and gas, as well as the cancellation of any plans for expanding production. Last year, governments spent a record-breaking $7 trillion in subsidies for these industries, according to an analysis by the International Monetary Fund.
In addition to demanding action from governments, the protesters also highlighted the need for investment in community-led renewable energy. In countries like Kenya and many African nations, there is a pressing need to provide electricity to millions of people who currently have no access to it. Activists argued that focusing on renewable energy sources would be a more sustainable and equitable solution.
These demonstrations come ahead of the UN COP28 climate summit, where more than 80 countries aim to push for a global agreement to gradually phase out coal, oil, and gas. Despite being the main contributors to climate change, there has never been a UN consensus to completely eliminate fossil fuels. However, countries have committed to reducing their reliance on coal power.
The proposal to phase out fossil fuels is likely to face pushback from countries heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, as well as those planning to use fossil fuel-based energy to uplift impoverished communities. Furthermore, wealthy nations will be under pressure to provide increased funding to help developing countries invest in low-carbon energy.
While renewable energy is more cost-effective in terms of running costs, communities require support to make the upfront investments necessary for transitioning to wind and solar power. Africa, for example, has vast solar energy resources but has received a mere 2% of global investments in renewable energy over the past two decades, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
The recent UN report serves as a stark reminder of the urgency for action on climate change. It warned that the world is on a dangerous trajectory towards severe global warming, stressing the need for immediate action and significant financial investment to help countries adapt to the consequences of a warming climate.
As the climate movement gains momentum worldwide, these protests demonstrate the growing demand for a phase-out of fossil fuels and a transition towards clean, renewable energy sources. With governments and global leaders meeting in the coming weeks, the pressure is mounting for them to take bold steps to address the climate crisis and secure the future of our planet.
