People Rise for Climate in creative global mobilization

This weekend people are joining over 735 actions in 90 countries under the banner of Rise for Climate to demonstrate the urgency of the climate crisis.

Communities around the world will shine a spotlight on the increasing impacts they are experiencing and demand local action to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

There will be hundreds of creative events and actions that challenge fossil fuels and call for a swift and just transition to 100% renewable energy for all.

The African continent will be teeming with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in various cities from Cape Town to Cameroon participating in a range of activities from mini-summits to youth groups rallies, as part of the lead up to the Global Climate Action Summit to be held in San Francisco.

“Climate change is a matter of survival for millions of Africans already confronted with prolonged droughts, recurrent floodings, food insecurity, forced migrations and deadly conflicts due to water scarcity. By organising and joining Rise for Climate Mobilisations, Africans are calling their local governments and institutions to step up their efforts and do their utmost now to stop fossil fuels and develop 100% renewable energy for all,” said Landry Ninteretse, 350 Africa Team Leader.

A delegation of African leaders from 3 countries will be representing the continent where they will learn how to phase out fossil fuel extraction from countries who have committed to 100% Renewable Energy and begin a just energy transition that focuses on social and economic justice.

Ghanaian activists will be pushing the Energy Minister to increase the RE part into the national’s energy mix.

People are rising to support urgent action before 2020 to accelerate to the rapid phase out fossil fuels and a just transition to clean and fair energy systems for all.

This weekend Rise for Climate will demonstrate the growing strength and diversity of the climate movement and the people who won’t wait for governments to act, but will lead by example and hold them to account.

“As part of the earth community, human beings are deeply connected to the environment. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our existence on earth. As people of faith, our earth-centred spirituality provides a foundation on which we take action in healing earth and stopping climate change. In the face of earthly destruction, we need to continue to share the message of hope and to take action to respect and heal the earth and each other,” stated Francesca De Gasparris, Director of Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute.