[Press release]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This week, across Africa and the Arab world, communities affected by climate change are sending a clear message to African investors, people and politicians at COP21 and beyond, that the era of fossil fuels is coming to an end and that it’s time to support a new, just, clean energy economy.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — 2015 is set to be the hottest year ever recorded. Across Africa and the Arab World, people are already feeling drastic impacts of climate change every day.
The #WeFightClimateChange week of action, happening in cities from Cape Town to Amman from 25 September – 2 October, is raising the voices of communities in our countries who are fighting climate change right now.
“The Paris negotiations could potentially send a signal that world governments are serious about keeping fossil fuels in the ground. If they fail, it will embolden the fossil fuel industry and expose more communities to toxic extraction and climate disasters,” says 350 Africa field organiser, Khomotso Ntuli.
He continues, “yet momentum is growing to stop this climate change crisis. Political and religious leaders are beginning to get the message — that the people have been voicing for years. That is why we are kicking off many months of escalating action for climate justice this week; Africa and the Arab World need climate action now.”
On September 25th, the week of action kicks off with a music and poetry night at the Wits Art Museum in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. [1] Following that, 32 other events are happening in 15 countries throughout the week. [2]
Film screenings, artivism (art + activism) workshops, climate change concerts and climate impacts art exhibitions are some of the many ways people of Africa and the Arab World are coming together to say #WeFightClimateChange.
“The time for feeling powerless in the face of climate chaos is over. No matter what happens in the negotiating halls, we must build power to hold them accountable to the principles of justice and science,” says 350 Africa and Arab World team leader, Ferrial Adam.
The UN climate meetings in Paris can signal that the age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. This vision is already becoming a reality around the world. Politicians can’t hold the transition back, but they can help accelerate it by financing the transition to an economy based on 100% renewable energy that would unlock Africa’s social and economic development.
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CONTACT: Monica Davies: +27 79 092 3409 or monica[at]350.org
Notes to Editors:
[1] Entrance to this event is free. Further info available here: https://act.350.org/event/power-through-paris-workshops/10743
[2] For a full list of events happening around Africa and the Arab World, please visit: https://act.350.org/event/power-through-paris-workshops/ and http://350africa.org/2015/09/03/from-cape-town-to-amman-wefightclimatechange/