It is now clear to many people that a system change is needed so that our grandchildren can also enjoy life on planet Earth. But what are the answers to increasing climate change, extreme weather, immense species extinction and the parallel social aspects of post-colonial structures, exploitation, economic dependence, a growing gap between rich and poor, and more and more people voting for the AfD in Germany?
The youth choose to demonstrate. More and more young, energetic people are joining the FridaysForFuture movement; there are numerous groups that are joining: ParentsForFuture, ScientistsForFuture, EntrepreneursForFuture, EducatorsForFuture, SportsForFuture and many more. They all represent demands for climate protection measures, but also for social justice and ultimately the system change towards a more ecologically and socially sustainable world. Taking to the streets to give a voice to the global urgency for change.
We at WECHANGE were also out on the streets on Friday. And we also made a digital statement and on Digital Global Climate Strike participated - our platform was not accessible for one day. This is an expansion of the possibilities to stand up for what is necessary and to show that things cannot continue as before. On Fridays we are not in the office, but on the streets!
The whole following week was filled with activities – week4climate and each day is dedicated to a different relevant aspect:
C for clean oceans, L for life-giving forests, I for ice landscapes, M for marshlands, A for assymetry global north vs. global south, T for truthworthiness of governments, E for Earth: CLIMA T E. This is creative activism - raising your voice and giving substance. Earth Day. One of the important foundations for life on this planet.
We also want to encourage you to give space to your voices and to become active. And if you are already part of the demonstrations or other online actions, then a big thank you for your commitment. Keep it up! The more people join forces, the more powerful the transformative work can be.
Imagine if major online service providers like Google, Facebook or server operators joined the digital strike or individual actions. Imagine that the streets of the cities were full of people saying no to a system that is destroying our livelihoods. Imagine that politicians also joined the ForFuture movement and began to implement demands at the political level. It would be an immense wake-up call and help to raise awareness that change is needed. Everything that surrounds us every day, everything that we use in everyday life, is not self-evident and unfortunately usually not sustainable per se. Above all, the structures can easily collapse if the earth's ecosystem continues to be destroyed.
So let us dream of the possibility of transformation. That humanity, with all its awareness, its thirst for research, its inventiveness and creativity, can modify and change the existing system step by step, so that we can enjoy life with a clear conscience and use our own personal potential to make a positive difference in the world.