September 13, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Climate activists in Nigeria and 49 other countries are mobilizing in over 150 events to urge their governments to implement a rapid, fair, and funded phase-out of fossil fuels to prevent further climate catastrophe.
Nigeria and Kenya are leading the charge in Africa, with each country hosting over 10 actions.
The global week of action, which kicked off on May 19, 2024, comes ahead of Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly, where world leaders will convene to agree on a Pact for the Future.
Activists are demanding that governments prioritize people over profit and stop perpetuating a “parasitic system” that views climate finance as charity or business.
In Asia, over 70 coordinated demonstrations are taking place in 62 cities, targeting coal-fired power plants and protesting the alarming expansion of new coal projects.
Activists are calling on governments to stop the expansion of coal and implement a rapid, equitable, and just phase-out of existing coal.
The transition away from fossil fuels is crucial to meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Unfortunately, many Global North countries are moving in the opposite direction, expanding fossil fuel production and providing billions in subsidies.
Activists are demanding action, not empty words, and calling on rich nations to lead by example and end the expansion of fossil fuels.
The climate crisis is escalating rapidly, and communities in the Global South are paying the price with lost lives, destroyed infrastructure, and ruined livelihoods.