United for Climate Justice keeps increasing pressure on EU member states
On Saturday 4 May, United for Climate Justice (UCJ) will continue its escalation campaign of non-violent civil disobedience actions across Europe. UCJ demands that all European Union (EU) member states immediately end all subsidies, amounting to at least 405 billion euros to the fossil industry. 30 climate movements from three countries will support this campaign via blockades, organised demonstrations and other non-violent actions.
Campaign started last month with Greta Thunberg joining the blockade in the Netherlands
On April 6, Greta Thunberg joined the 37th Stop Fossil Subsidies action in The Hague in the Netherlands, because UCJ announced its Europe-wide campaign. On the same day there were other actions and blockades in 13 different European countries. The coalition (UCJ) consists of more than 30 different movements now, and is growing by the day. Coordinated by UCJ, an increasing number of actions is expected in the coming months. On May 4th, the Netherlands will join the blockade in Belgium, on June 1st, Letzte Generation Germany will be protesting in 18 cities. And if the EU fails to meet the demand, UCJ is ready to escalate further.
Increasing pressure on the EU parliament and its member states
On 21 November 2023, members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution that recommends the end of fossil fuels subsidies by 2025 at the latest. Dr Angela Huston Gold, spokesperson of UCJ: “There’s a very big risk that this resolution stays a recommendation. Especially with the upcoming European elections in June, and the consequent commission forming we think it’s more important than ever to firmly demand for the EU to actually take appropriate action in line with it. And we will keep on doing that on the first Saturday of every month, until our demands to stop fossil subsidies are met.”
Fossil subsidies lead to climate disasters
At least 405.1 billion euros in fossil subsidies are going to large companies in the EU every year in the form of tax cuts, both implicitly and explicitly. This leads to record high levels of the three main greenhouse gases, causing global warming. Ocean heat content has shown a particular strong increase in the past two decades, which leads to record sea level rises. Extreme weather events, like floods, cyclones, extreme heat and drought (and associated wildfires) already had impact on all inhabited continents. This leads to food security challenges and other impacts on vulnerable populations. Huston Gold: “This has to stop right now, before it becomes any worse. Therefore we unite against fossil subsidies in the EU.”
What is United for Climate Justice (UCJ)?
United for Climate Justice (UCJ) is a platform of all kinds of grassroot and climate movements. It receives support and endorsement from non-governmental organisations within and outside of Europe. As we recognise the need for global climate justice.
Together, they are coordinating the campaign Stop EU Fossil Subsidies. They base their actions on the scientific evidence of the climate crisis, with civil disobedience serving as their primary tactic. They advocate for rapid and systemic cultural, economic and political change, driven for and by the people themselves.
