Activists highlight need for urgent climate action
| Activists held widespread events in Africa to urge governments to listen to the call to reject fossil fuels. Furthermore, to prioritize climate action and formulate plans for a rapid, just transition to a clean energy future. The main agenda of pushing for urgent climate action is the theme behind the activists work. The image above shows physically how activists highlighted the need for urgent climate action. |
| Environmental activists and citizens across the African continent took part in a host of events. Moreover, these were all held in solidarity with the Global Climate Strikes, highlighting the need for urgent climate action.
Activists highlight need for urgent climate actionThe events took place in Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria on Friday, September 24. While they addressed varying issues in the host nations, the underlying message was made clear. African countries need to take urgent climate action to end fossil fuel exploration and accelerate plans on moving to renewable energy. Climate change activist Landry Ninteretse of 350Africa.org said: “Years of empty promises and lack of real action have once again pushed young people around the world to the streets. African countries continue to suffer disproportionately from the devastating climate impacts. “The widespread actions across Africa are a move by the people most affected to hold governments, other stakeholders accountable. They are urging world leaders to end any kind of support to the fossil fuel industry while investing massively in renewable energy. In addition this will provide clean energy, create millions of jobs while protecting our fragile climate and ecosystems. Our collective actions going forward will determine the fate of our planet.” What is the future of energy?Mr Pascal Mirindi of Extinction Rebellion (DRC) said: “People are fighting for the future of our planet. With time not being on our side, we cannot afford more fossil fuel projects that threaten sensitive ecosystems. Furthermore, they pose human right violations and interfere with livelihoods of local communities. The people are standing firm against fossil fuels and calling on governments to safeguard the interests of their citizens and protect our environment.” In addition to leaders speaking on the future of energy, activists highlighted the deep need for urgent climate action in various ways. In addition, Ms Portia Adu Mensah, coordinator of the Renewable Energy for Communities (RE4C) campaign, urged governments to heed the call to reject fossil fuels. She requested they prioritize climate action and formulate plans for a rapid and just transition to a clean energy future. Conslusively, she said; “The well-being of the people and the state of our environment should come before the selfish interests of fossil fuel companies and investors,”.
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