Massive demonstration in Switzerland to defend the climate (+photos)

Sergio Ferrari*, collaborator with Prensa Latina

The Swiss Climate Alliance, the main organizer of the demonstration, confirmed this figure, which exceeded the previous most optimistic expectations.

The coalition brings together more than a hundred organizations with very diverse characteristics and identities, but which find in the fight against global warming and demanding climate justice a point of consensus and common action.

Saturday 30 September was climate action time. Just two weeks after the massive union mobilization that demanded on September 16 an increase in salaries and decent pensions. Swiss society is angry, protesting and demanding social and climate justice.

A society that makes its own “climate drama.”

The Alps sweat and fade. The study by a committee of the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences that was just published last Thursday has further activated media alarms. This document reveals that over the past two years, Swiss glaciers have lost 10% of their volume, which is similar to what they suffered in 30 years, between 1960 and 1990.

Saturday’s demonstration, one of the largest in recent years, was held in a diverse area. Young people dominated, although there was no shortage of adults, the elderly and children. The female presence was large (perhaps the majority), but there was no shortage of men from different generations. The LGBTQ+ movement was also present.

In the kilometer and a half of the way through the streets of the capital, members and activists from environmental, religious, solidarity with the South, trade unions, progressive political forces and extra-parliamentary political organizations, as well as NGOs (non-governmental organizations) gather. (organizations) collectively working in favor of the environment, human rights and development cooperation. The participation of sectors of citizens not necessarily registered in specific organizations was also notable.

In a press release, the Swiss Climate Alliance expressed its relief and emphasized that “outrage over 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 faith communities to climate activists in the South, everyone has come together to demand an end to environmental destruction – the result of an exploitative economic model – and ultimately respect for the Paris climate goals.

Complaint to the political class

The coalition also highlights the “total failure this week” of the Council of States (Senate) regarding the review of the CO2 law. According to lawmakers, less than half of the pending reductions in greenhouse gas emissions must take place in Switzerland.

Most of these goals will be achieved by purchasing “certificates” (or rights to pollute) abroad, and implementing a compensation system that has already been widely criticized and delegitimized by environmental experts, scientists, and representatives of international NGOs.

Given the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for October 22, the coalition insists there must be “a parliament that takes the climate crisis seriously.”

The massive demonstration concluded in the capital’s Federal Square, which is located directly in front of the Parliament headquarters. Speakers from various sectors at the meeting described the tragic climate situation, Switzerland’s shared responsibility for global warming, and the stagnation suffered by its authorities.

“We are often told that the aspirations we have to change this system are completely unrealistic and that change is impossible,” three climate strike activists explained in unison. However, they note that humanity has never had to confront a challenge on the scale of climate change. “All human responses and reactions are possible in the face of a problem that is literally existential” for people. They concluded that “there is still hope.”

Rmh/sf

*Argentine journalist based in Switzerland