Thousands demand climate justice in Bonn

IssueDecember 2017 - January 2018
The Pacific Climate Warriors held a ceremonial ritual on 5 November in solidarity with the people of Kerpen-Manheim. The German village is now almost completely abandoned due to the relentless expansion of the Hambach coal mine. Photo: 350.org
News by PN staff

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The Pacific Climate Warriors held a ceremonial ritual on 5 November in solidarity with the people of Kerpen-Manheim. The German village is now almost completely abandoned due to the relentless expansion of the Hambach coal mine. Photo: 350.org

The two-week COP23 climate talks in Bonn, Germany, in November were met with a 25,000-strong march; a 4,500-strong mine invasion (above right); the occupation of a nearby coal-fired power station; a banner-hang on a coal ship in Bonn itself; a ghost ship carnival float; and much more.

A group of Pacific Climate Warriors from countries on the frontline of climate change were a powerful presence (top left).

In a COP23 side event on 14 November, the prime minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga, said: ‘We must keep the coal in the ground, and keep our islands above the water.’

Thousands attended the alternative People’s Climate Summit which featured over 70 talks, many on the need for a ‘Just Transition’ to a zero-carbon economy. A Just Transition focuses on people’s jobs and livelihoods, ensuring that no one is left behind as greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

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On 5 November, 4,500 climate activists converged on the Hambach opencast ‘brown coal’ mine in Germany for an Ende Gelände (‘here and no further’) protest ahead of the nearby Bonn COP23 climate conference. Photo: Christian Block/Ende Gelände