By Sergio Ferrari, Latin American Summary, September 30, 2023.
To the streets to defend the climate
More than 60 thousand people overflow the Swiss capital
Saturday, September 30, was climate defense time. Only two weeks after a massive union mobilization that on September 16 demanded an increase in decent salaries and pensions. Swiss society is angry, protests and demands social and climate justice.
More than 60,000 protesters overflowed the streets of the Swiss capital to demand that the authorities quickly implement measures in favor of real climate justice. The Swiss Climate Alliance, the main organizer of the demonstration, confirmed this figure, which exceeded the most optimistic previous expectations.
The Alliance brings together more than a hundred organizations with very diverse profiles and identities but which find in the fight against global warming and the demand for climate justice the point of consensus and common action.
A society that makes the “climate drama” its own
The Alps sweat and fade. The study by a commission of the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences that was just published last Thursday further activated media alarms. This study reveals that in the last two years Swiss glaciers have lost 10% of their volume, a loss similar to that suffered in 30 years, between 1960 and 1990.
This Saturday’s demonstration, one of the largest in recent years, was held in a key of diversity. Young people predominated, although there was no shortage of adults, elderly people and children. The female presence was significant (and perhaps majority), however, there was no shortage of men from different generations. The LGBTQ+ movement was also actively present.
In the kilometer and a half of the route through the streets of the capital, members and activists from environmental, religious organizations, solidarity with the South, unions, progressive political forces, extra-parliamentary political organizations, as well as NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) gathered. They work in favor of the environment, human rights and development cooperation. The participation of sectors of citizens not necessarily enrolled in specific organizations was also notable.
In a press release, the Swiss Climate Alliance expresses its satisfaction and underlines that “rage at the lack of action on climate policy and the devastating and deadly consequences of the climate crisis…has mobilized groups of all ages and from all walks of life.” social. From religious communities to climate activists in the South, everyone came together to demand that the destruction of the environment – the result of an exploitative economic model – be put to an end, and that the Paris climate goals be finally respected.”
Complaint to the political class
The Alliance also highlights the “total failure this week” of the Council of States (Chamber of Senators) regarding the review of the CO2 Law. According to the senators, less than half of the pending greenhouse gas emissions reductions will have to be made in Switzerland. Most of it will be achieved by purchasing “certificates” (or rights to pollute) abroad, applying the compensation system already widely criticized and delegitimized by environmental experts, scientists and representatives of international NGOs. Looking ahead to the next legislative elections to be held on October 22, the Alliance insists that “a Parliament that takes the climate crisis seriously” is necessary.
The massive demonstration concluded in the capital’s Federal Plaza, which is located right in front of the Parliament headquarters. Speakers from various sectors at the meeting described the dramatic climate situation, Switzerland’s co-responsibility in global warming and the inertia of its authorities.
Three Climate Strike activists explained in unison that “we are often told that the aspirations we have to change this system are completely unrealistic and that change is impossible.” However, they note, humanity has never had to face a challenge of the magnitude of climate change. “All human responses and reactions are possible in the face of a problem that is literally existential” for people. “There is still hope,” they concluded.
*from Bern, Switzerland
2023-09-30 23:06:43
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