Last Friday the streets of Aachen turn into the most beautiful political parade. Over 40,000 young people from Germany, other parts of Europe, and other parts of the world, came to the Aachen to demand Climate Justice.
The demands ranged from an open-ended: We need Climate Justice; to more profound we need to get rid of capitalism.
In the Fridays for Future protest the most inspire part is that it brings out to the street very young people. Although for the same reason, it brings up in me many questions, one of which is: how much do these young students know the implications and meanings of their demands.
My curiosity drove me to go around and ask two questions: what does climate justice mean to you? And, do you think that the FFF movement addresses these issues.
I receive a wide range of responses, from the expulsion of polluting industry to the protection of poor people, however it seemed clear to me that there is no unified framework to understand what Climate Justice is, and thus how can we, through our to-say-the-least symbolically influential movements, address it.
European youths are raising up. And their voices are penetrating the negotiation space. However, other than it being recognized and stressing the urgency of Climate Action, their lack of specific demands; specific agenda; or a unified message, limits their scope of influence. And maybe this is intentional and good, however, from where I see it these movements have the potential to create long-lasting systemic change.
I, by no means try to belittle the work that has already been done on youth social movements as I am forever fascinated and inspired by young people taking over streets for a cause they believe in, but it is rather a genuine question of: how do we use this momentum and this potential to affect policy making. And how do we address this issue of "justice" in a way that is constructive, that addresses the international collaboration that is much needed, that addresses the lives of the people who were not at the march, who brings in justice for all and not only for a few.
On this note, I want to share this video that was made during the protest where I am featured. Hope you enjoy.