The latest installment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published on Tuesday 5 April, once again drew “an alarm bell that has become worn out as it has already been used”note The weather. A new climate strike, renowned in Switzerland “strike for the future” and in France “walk for the future”, is scheduled for Saturday, April 9.
Anja Gada, “Zurich Klimastreik activist and campaign leader”is only 20 years old but is one of the most “old” activists of the movement in Switzerland. She explains to the Swiss daily where she is with her commitment.
The health crisis “didn’t help” mobilization, she acknowledges. “Climate has moved into second place of concern behind the virus, and now behind war.” Which is “understandable”says Anja, who notices “less commitment” and “less energy” in motion. “Despite the euphoria of the beginnings”the climate strikes had only one “weak” result.
“Climate policy has changed little. The objectives discussed by the decision-makers are still just as distant, the policies put in place still just as weak.”
The “fatigue” and the “discouragement” are there, she admits, but “desire” also. “These gatherings give hope and there is no denying that they have had an impact. Times are tough, but it’s not about giving up.”
As for transforming the movement into a party, the activist replies that“there is no discussion about it”. Because he “is above all made up of very young people, without money, often in training”. Which does not prevent him from having “acquired a certain legitimacy”. And to quote UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres: “Climate activists are sometimes portrayed as dangerous radicals. But the really dangerous radicals are the countries that increase the production of fossil fuels.”
The future of the movement, she believes, despite “the ups and downs”is to maintain “street pressure”. Whatever, “the existential risk posed by the climate crisis remains”.