Climate change is a threat to future generations. Young people in Switzerland also no longer want to stand idly by. On 21 May, the time has come again: the Climate Youth calls for a Strike for Future. The next opportunity to get involved against climate change is already in June: on 13 June, the new CO2 law will be voted on.
In northeastern Brazil, young people are learning how to earn a living through sustainable agriculture. In this dry region, they are increasingly confronted with periods of drought. Meanwhile, in the Sahrawi refugee camps in the Algerian desert, temperatures are rising to over 50 degrees. Although the people there are used to great privations, this is also for them at the limit of what is bearable. In Switzerland, some plants such as cherry trees are sprouting earlier and earlier, which makes them more susceptible to late frost and can destroy the harvest. The heat stress in summer also causes health problems for many people here.
Save the date - two dates against global warming
Climate change is a global threat that will have a major impact on the lives of future generations. That is why terre des hommes switzerland is also committed to measures against global warming in Switzerland and supports networks and initiatives. In May and June there are two opportunities to stand up for climate justice: the climate strike - Strike for Future - and the vote on the CO2 law.
On Friday 21 May there will be a nationwide St4F Events - Map (strikeforfuture.ch) the colourful day of action and strikes will take place. For example, professors and students in Fribourg are organising a climate alarm at 11.59 a.m., in Bern there is a virtual World Café on climate-friendly business and in Wald, ZH, a leisurely "Züri Oberland Bike Tour" is starting. New campaigns and events are being added all the time. But Strike for Future is much more than just a day of mobilisation on 21 May. It is a longer-term process, an open alliance that sees itself as a movement.
Global solidarity, local action
The young people in Switzerland who are involved in Strike for Future are no longer willing to stand idly by and watch the slow and hesitant political decision-making processes on climate protection. They want to take their future into their own hands and call on everyone to join this movement. The Strike for Future shows solidarity with eco-social movements all over the world and works towards an ecological and just society. In Switzerland, the committed are to join together in regional and local groups. Preparations for the big day of action on 21 May are in full swing. Mobilisation weekends are already taking place on the next two weekends, 8/9 and 15/16 May.
A step in the right direction on 13 June
But even after 21 May, the process continues. Fast, sustainable measures are needed to slow down climate change. The Swiss electorate will have an opportunity to adopt such measures on 13 June. They will vote on the new CO2 law. It is a step in the right direction. For example, it is intended to promote climate-friendly heating and renovation of buildings and to introduce air ticket levies, half of which will go into a climate fund and half of which will be redistributed. This climate fund will also be used to promote the development and application of climate-friendly technologies. terre des hommes switzerland supports the new law because we stand in solidarity with future generations.
First, though, we'll see you on May 21. The climate youth have the last word:
We urge everyone to be part of Strike Future. As individuals and as a community. Let's bundle our energy to hurl a concentrated load of joie de vivre at Switzerland."
What is St4F? (strikeforfuture.ch)
Text: Sylvia Valentin
