Climate change is a threat to future generations. Young people in Switzerland no longer want to stand idly by. On May 21, it’s that time again: the Climate Youth is calling for a Strike for Future. The next opportunity to take a stand against climate change will be in June: the new CO2 Act will be put to the vote on June 13.
In north-eastern Brazil, young people are learning how to earn a living through sustainable agriculture. In this arid 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 hardship, this is also at the limit of what is bearable for them. 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 affects the health of many people here.
Save the date – two dates to combat global warming
Climate change is a global threat that will have a major impact on the lives of future generations. This is why terre des hommes schweiz is also committed to taking action 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 Act.
On Friday 21 May, St4F Events – Karte (strikeforfuture.ch) will be holding a colorful day of action and strikes throughout Switzerland. For example, professors and students in Fribourg are organizing 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. However, Strike for Future is much more than just a day of mobilization 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 are calling on everyone to join this movement. Strike for Future shows solidarity with eco-social movements in all parts of the world and works towards an ecological and just society. In Switzerland, those involved are to join forces in regional and local groups. Preparations for the big day of action on May 21 are in full swing. Mobilization weekends are already taking place on the next two weekends, 8/9 and 15/16 May.
A step in the right direction on June 13
But it will continue even after May 21. Rapid, sustainable measures are needed to slow down climate change. Voters in Switzerland will have an opportunity to adopt such measures on June 13. They will be voting on the new CO2 Act. It is a step in the right direction. For example, it is intended to promote climate-friendly heating and renovation of buildings and introduce air ticket levies, half of which will flow into a climate fund and half of which will be redistributed. This climate fund will also be used to promote the development and use of climate-friendly technologies. terre des hommes schweiz supports the new law because we show solidarity with future generations.
But first we’ll see you on May 21. The Climate Youth will have the last word:
We call on everyone to be part of Strike Future. As individuals and as a community. Let’s pool our energy to give Switzerland a concentrated charge of joie de vivre.”
What is St4F? (strikeforfuture.ch)
Text: Sylvia Valentin
