Global climate movement announces a major mobilisation this coming September

People across five continents will take part in the Rise for Climate mobilisation to showcase real climate leadership and step up pressure on governments ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit in September.
Tens of thousands of people will take part in the Rise for Climate mobilisations on and around September 8 with distributed local actions in towns, institutions, universities, and houses of worship around the world – these actions will drive climate action within our communities and send a clear message to governments about what the will of the people really is ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS).
GCAS, hosted by California Governor Jerry Brown, will take place on the 12-14 September and will be attended by governments, cities, businesses and other stakeholders – it is intended to showcase climate action by non-state actors taking place around the world and inspire deeper commitments from national governments. The Rise for Climate mobilisations will set the bar for the Summit by demonstrating what real climate leadership looks like and challenging governments to accelerate progress towards a just and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy for all while stopping all new fossil fuel projects and embarking on a just and managed decline of existing production.
Diverse groups representing faith, youth, justice, labour and cities are supporting the Rise for Climate mobilisation that springs from the fast-growing grassroots climate movement. Notable actions will include: tens of thousands taking to the streets of San Francisco, USA; a continental day of action in Australia, several events planned across the Pacific islands and Africa including local renewable energy summits, actions across major European cities with a major march planned in Portugal and a flagship event in Kiev, Ukraine; creative actions in Latin America and virtual marches planned in East Asia.
Through these actions we will collectively demand even more from local and national governments across the world at this critical juncture where people’s livelihoods are at stake due to the growing impacts of the climate crisis. This mobilisation is part of a larger wave of global mobilisations unfolding this year including Reclaim Power and Global Frackdown – together these actions will help to build a groundswell of support for real climate leadership, pile the pressure on national leaders that are falling short of their commitments, and create the right momentum to secure a fast and just transition to an equitable world by 2020.
Programme Director, 350.org, Payal Parekh, said: “This global mobilisation sends a message to governments around the world: we have the momentum to achieve a fast and just transition to a sustainable and equitable world because more and more communities worldwide are leading the way towards 100% renewable energy for all, while also preventing new fossil fuel projects from being built. Governments must take a lesson from local leaders because the science is clear, the technology for the energy transition is ready and we demand bold action now.”
Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, stressed that, “The people are the solution. Through the mobilizations peoples will demand that governments act in line with the requirements of science by cutting emissions at source in proportion to historical responsibilities. In Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 2010 the people made a clear declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth and what must be done to tackle climate change. Those demands, including payment of climate debt, are inescapable and demand global attention.”
Similarly, Climate Action Network Executive Director, Wael Hmaidan, added, “The world is changing. Economies are changing. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy is our only guarantee for jobs, security and prosperity for everyone. This is why we must all rise and demand a quick transition to renewables.”
Latin America Director, GreenFaith, Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo said, “People of all faiths and spiritualities around the world know that the Earth is sacred, and that Earth’s protection is our sacred duty. The danger that climate change poses to our precious planet challenges us to rise, on Sept 8 and everyday, to defend life.”