Climate March London November 2015

A strong wind blew through London today. But it did not hold back the tens of thousands of people who came together to show the world their solidarity and their concern for this planet. I have taken some pictures from today's march to share with you. All in all, it was quite an amazing event, and even though we are dealing with a very serious and somber topic, seeing the sheer amount of people, the drumming and dancing, the singing and laughing, it gave me a feeling that all is not lost. Not as long as we have people in this world who truly care. I left the march in good spirit, but also a little emotional and I felt that we can do this. 

I do understand that tackling climate change is not a straightforward and simple task. Every slogan on the banners I saw today is the logic and sound solution to this planet's suffering. But climate change is obviously tied to a number of factors such as economic risks, no one wants to lose out in this world of competitiveness. I appreciate that there is a whole network of internal and foreign policies, as well as economic frameworks that need to be addressed and revisited, if we want political leaders to meet our call for reducing carbon emissions, our call for more investment in renewable energy and the demand to put an end to fracking. Political ties will be tested and there will be disagreements. However, there comes a point when you cannot hide behind any more excuses why nothing is being done. The complexity, unfairness and inefficiency of the global economic and political system, which we humans have brought about ourselves, should not be the reason for inactivity. The tragedy of the commons that we have witnessed for decades cannot continue any longer, because there will be a tipping point (which, according to some scientists, we did already pass) after which, we have no control over the situation anymore.

Politicians and big corporations are willfully only looking at the high costs of any action that would benefit the environment and combat climate change. As if any inaction would not cost us dearly once we reach a point of no return. A study, conducted by two research institutes at the London School of Economics stated that nations would benefit more than they would lose if they'd agree on ways on how to tackle climate change. Fergus Green who worked on this research paper made it very clear that the general idea that action on climate change is net-costly is wrong. 

So there is much hope for the COP21 which will kick off tomorrow. Much hope for carbon reduction agreements - binding agreements that is. For a clear message to the developing nations on what they can expect from the developed countries, and hopefully also new innovative ideas and agreements on investments in the field of cleantech. One pledge that has already been made comes from Bill Gates with his announcement to create a billion dollar fund for R&D in cleantech. An important step in the right direction. The road to a greener future is rocky and covered with obstacles. But now is the time to tackle them one by one, because there is simply no way around it. And today's amazing climate march in London, 50,000 voices strong, has sent a message to Paris which the world leaders cannot ignore.

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