People’s Climate March 2015

What will it take to finally achieve total inter-generational and inter-racial solidarity for the sake of our future on this planet?

The people’s climate march On September 21 last year was the greatest mobilisation on climate change in history, with over 700 000 global citizens marching in the streets with banners in over 250 countries. In New York alone, 400 000 people marched calling for leaders to act.

The pressure worked - less than two months after the march, the US and China signed a breakthrough agreement with new targets for carbon emission reductions by the US and a first-ever commitment by China to stop its emissions from growing by 2030. The momentum has continued, with a divestment movement shaming the fossil fuel industry, major corporations embracing clean energy, and the Pope bringing his moral stance to millions.

On the lead up to the UN Paris summit in December people around the world are coming together for two weeks of action calling for climate justice and an end to carbon pollution. There are going to be thousands of events around the world, culminating in a mass mobilisation in Paris on Dec 12th.

We want 100% clean energy

The call has gone out from Avaaz to mobilize for a global march on 29 November 2015 calling on governments for 100% clean energy. This date marks the start of the build up to the biggest UN climate summit COP21, in Paris.

This is your chance to march for your future and that of your children. There has never been a more urgent cause as our very civilization is in jeopardy. This is one day you can stand up for the earth that sustains us. Bring your friends and family – share this news with your mailing lists. We need everyone who cares on board, plus of course the students and youngsters who are inheriting the mess created by the industrial era.

This legal and peaceful march will begin at noon and move through the streets of the CBD raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and the need to move away from dirty energy. We will symbolically hand over our petition and demands to government. These documents will also be sent to the local and national government, calling for immediate action.

Heat, water challenges, food threats are a reality

A South African economy powered by clean energy will not only protect our precious natural resources, but will bring new job possibilities and a safer life to all our citizens. We worry about the impact of a drier and hotter land, food challenges, water shortages and extreme weather. All of this is already a reality today, as we experience the first national drought in the new SA, and we have to import 40 to 50% of our maize, the country’s staple food.

We want to protect our natural heritage, our biodiversity, wild animals as well as our loved ones’ well-being into the future. We call on everyone who is pro renewable energy, anti nuclear energy, worried about biodiversity or environmental injustice or who cares for a better society to join us. To change everything, we need everyone — indigenous groups, faith leaders, farmers, women’s groups, university students and youth groups, corporation executives to join the action. Together we can shape our futures and bend the course of history.

Join us for the biggest Cape Town climate march ever on 29 November at the CPUT car park. There will be talks and a performance by Wendy Oldfield from 11:00 and the march from 12:00 - 14:00. Let’s show the world we care for humanity and our home, the earth.

The people must lead

The people must lead, the people must bring pressure for change. We are inspired by Avaaz, 350.org and include many NGOs like WESSA, Project 90, WWF, SAFCEI, Green Times, Climate Jobs and Biomimicry SA; as well as campaigners and normal citizens from the greater Cape Town.

Invitations have gone out to entertainers like Nick Robinovitz, top speakers like Desmond Tutu and Braam Malherbe. We need banners and puppets, floats, music and family fun to make this day a special one. Buses will be arranged to help transport people who live out of town. Please nominate more speakers from all communities. Please pitch in and get involved.

This is NOT a gathering of the pale faces. Climate injustice affects everyone across the board – even more so those without resources. It is indeed the biggest social injustice. And this needs to be rectified. This is our last chance. Let us make right the wrongs of our time. Let us arrive en masse to stop the madness.

Last year’s banners read:

“We want life!”
“We didn’t cause this mess!”
“Drive less walk more!”
“Talk less, more action!”
“Change politics not the climate!”
“There is no planet B!”
“100% clean energy!”

We encourage you to make your own or send us ideas of your messages and slogans so that we can join with the world and make history happen. We looking for artists, musicians, whatever your means of expression - join our march and speak up.

Here are some climate marches happening across the country:

Green Heart of Sedgefield

• Myoli Beach, Sedgefield, 6573

Pace Yourself or Brace Yourself - Plett Ragers Protecting the Planet

• Plettenberg Bay, Plettenberg Bay, 6600

Nahoon Beach People’s Climate March

• Nahoon Beach, East London, 5241

Global Climate March Cape Town

• Tennant road, City Bowl, Cape town, 8001
• Facebook event page

Climate Justice March

• Organiser: Earthlife Africa JHB
• Time: 10h00 to 13h00
• Starting place: West Gate Taxi Rank, Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
• Finishing place: Eskom Regional Offices, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
• Contact: Lerato, lerato@earthlife.org.za

Don’t see any events near you? Create one here.

Join:

• The global movement
• Email mdebeyer@gmail.com to volunteer or with ideas
• or contact any of the NGOs mentioned above.

Photos of last year’s climate march in Cape Town courtesy of Avaaz, taken by Kevin Petersen.