The Time for People Power is Now
Our world faces intertwined crises – the climate emergency, rising authoritarianism, and escalating violent conflict. To meet these existential threats, business-as-usual has failed. Incremental solutions fall short.
But people power offers hope. Civil resistance movements can drive the radical change we need. From inspiring public participation to imposing costs on abusers, nonviolent activism pressures institutions to act.
Nowhere is this potential more vital than in the climate change space. The science is clear – we must transform energy systems and economies to sustain civilization. Yet governments and corporations cling to destructive fossil fuel projects, undermining the livelihood and environment of the frontline communities and heating up the world while at it.
The choice is stark – profits or a livable planet. That's why diverse citizens unite through movements like StopEACOP. Beyond blocking pipelines, these campaigns bring us together across divides. They catalyze political will for climate justice, modelling the renewable, equitable future we deserve.
The verdict is in – people power is essential to steer humanity off our perilous path. To policymakers and fossil fuel profiteers, the writing is on the wall. Join us, or get out of the way. The time for climate action is now. The people are on the march – and we will not rest until justice is realised.
Indeed, this was demonstrated on Friday, October 6th, when climate and environmental activists across East Africa held a Twitter storm in response to Chinese state companies' decision to finance the controversial EACOP pipeline. Despite clear harm to communities and the environment, SINOSURE, CNOOC, and China Exim Bank are proceeding with this destructive project. Frontline communities won’t take this lying down, and a growing crowd of local and international supporters are willing to stand with them to avoid the continued loss of livelihood, destruction of the environment and eventual climate impacts.
The recent People Power Award won by the StopEACOP campaign recognises the critical role movements play in driving change. It is both an acknowledgement of StopEACOP's achievements so far and a rallying cry to ramp up efforts in this decisive decade for climate action. With creativity, courage and coordination, citizen movements worldwide can tip the scales toward climate justice. More information on the award can be found this press release. The time for people power is now!
