In the coming days, generations will come together for the climate: 'We can still mitigate the worst effects, but we must act now'
On Sunday 3 December, Brussels will once again be the scene of a climate march. On Friday, young people across Belgium will participate in the #StandUpForClimate symbolic action to promote climate justice and encourage people to take to the streets on Sunday.
"Young people are aware that they will have to face the consequences of the climate crisis much more than previous generations," says YOUCA, an organisation created by and for young people that promotes joint efforts towards a sustainable and just society. "We can still mitigate the worst effects, but we must act now."
Around 55,000 young people from Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia will participate in a collective and simultaneous action for the climate on Friday morning. This movement involves 487 groups, mainly schools, and aims to involve the entire population and encourage everyone to join the climate march on Sunday.
Pressure politicians
Sunday's demonstration aims to pressure all political leaders through the Climate Coalition - a coalition of many organisations, including trade unions and environmental groups, working on climate policy - to prioritise effective and just transitions.
Belgium, and Flanders in particular, cannot afford any delay
"Belgium, and Flanders in particular, cannot afford any delay. The longer we wait, the more expensive and painful it will be," says Zanna Vanrenterghem, vice president of the Climate Coalition.
Every tenth of a degree counts
The organisation stresses that tackling the climate crisis should be a top priority for the next government. As the 1.5-degree warming threshold approaches, the Climate Coalition argues that tackling the climate crisis is more critical than ever. "Every tenth of a degree counts," they stress.
Participants will be welcomed at noon on Sunday with a musical gathering at North Station and Albert II Avenue. The march will begin at 13:00 and culminate under the arch in Jubilee Park at 15:00, two hours later.
© Aris Oikonomou / AFP
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