Who is Winning? Climate Activism vs. Climate Change

Climate Activism calls for Climate Justice for Combating Climate Change

In the battle between climate activism and climate change, the stakes have never been higher than what we are witnessing in 2024. Climate activists worldwide are ramping up their efforts, striving to curb the devastating impacts of global warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Yet, despite these valiant efforts, climate change continues its relentless march.

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This blog post article explores the current landscape, highlighting key developments, influential figures, and the evolving strategies within the climate movement.

Before looking at these highlights, let us explain what climate activism and activists are all about.

I. The Role of Climate Activists

Climate activists play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. They raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and hold corporations and governments accountable for their environmental impact.

Activists come from all walks of life, united by a common goal: to protect the planet for future generations. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they often act as the catalysts for significant environmental policy reforms and corporate shifts towards sustainability.

II. Forms of Climate Activism

Climate activism takes many forms, from grassroots movements and public protests to policy advocacy and corporate engagement. Famous climate activists like Greta Thunberg have inspired millions to join the cause, demonstrating the power of individual action.

Activism is not just about protesting; it involves a range of activities, including education, lobbying, and community organizing. The goal of the climate movement is to achieve climate justice, ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected and that the burden of climate change does not fall disproportionately on the less privileged.

III. The Goal and Importance of Activism

The main goal of activism is to drive change. Whether it’s pushing for policy reforms, promoting sustainable practices, or raising awareness about environmental issues, activism is crucial for making progress. It plays a vital role in holding governments and corporations accountable, ensuring that commitments to sustainability and environmental protection are met.

For example, Climate justice activism focuses on addressing the inequities of climate change, advocating for policies that protect the most vulnerable and ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities. This form of activism is essential for building a just and sustainable future.

IV. Types of Activists

There are four main types of activists: environmental, social justice, political, and digital.

• Environmental activists focus on protecting natural ecosystems and promoting sustainability.
• Social justice activists work to address inequalities and ensure that all communities have access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
• Political activists engage with policymakers to advocate for environmental legislation and regulation.
• Digital activists use online platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support for climate action.

V. Noteworthy Climate Activism in 2024

1. Recent Milestones in Climate Policy

One of the most significant recent developments was the Eleventh Annual Subcommittee meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) in Nairobi, Kenya. During this meeting, it was emphasized that the multilateral system needs to be more nimble, proactive, and interconnected.

11th Annual meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (credit: UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is working to provide stronger scientific expertise and coordination to support environmental action. They are also focusing on uplifting their digital presence and enhancing data and knowledge through a Global Environmental Data Strategy.

This forward-looking approach is critical as time is not on our side in addressing the three planetary crises: climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

2. Key Policy Changes and Corporate Leadership

In the realm of climate policy, several key stories have emerged. The European Union has increased tariffs on electric cars built in China, from 10% to 38%, aiming to level the playing field against Chinese automakers. However, this move has raised concerns among some European auto manufacturers about potential increases in production costs due to their reliance on imports from China.

Global clean energy spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion in 2024, spurred by U.S. legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These laws have catalyzed significant increases in clean energy investment, reflecting a robust commitment to combating climate change.

Moreover, 19 Democratic senators and representatives have urged financial institutions to intensify their efforts against the climate crisis. They criticized the U.S. for its lagging progress in establishing robust measures to address the financial and economic risks posed by climate change compared to international peers.

3. The Impact of State and Local Initiatives

State and local governments in the U.S. have also made notable strides. Many states have adopted renewable energy standards and climate resilience plans. These initiatives demonstrate the growing recognition of the importance of local action in the broader climate movement.

For example, policymakers and utilities agree that establishing a regional electricity trading market in the Western U.S. could enable sharing of clean energy resources and reduce power costs. However, incorporating California's massive clean energy demand into the market structure remains a major challenge.

4. Significant Progress in Climate Action

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) recently highlighted that climate action gained significant momentum this spring. This surge in activity includes international agreements, such as the U.S. re-entering the Paris Agreement and the EU and China strengthening their climate targets.

Corporate leadership has also been pivotal, with major companies in the energy and technology sectors announcing significant investments in renewable energy and climate solutions.

State and local initiatives have continued to grow, with numerous states adopting renewable energy standards and climate resilience plans. Climate finance has seen a significant boost, with the EU and other countries committing substantial funding for climate projects and initiatives. Public support for climate action has increased, with citizens demanding stronger policies and more sustainable practices.

Policy reforms aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development have been implemented or proposed across various countries and regions. Additionally, the importance of climate resilience has been underscored, with many initiatives focusing on adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events.

5. Legal Victories for Climate Action

A landmark victory for climate action came with the UK Supreme Court ruling that local governments must consider the full climate impact of fossil fuel projects. This ruling rejects the "drug dealer defense," where fossil fuel companies argue that if they don't supply oil and gas, someone else will.

The court emphasized the importance of understanding the full scope of environmental projects to make informed decisions. This ruling follows other significant climate rulings, such as the European Court of Human Rights holding Switzerland responsible for combating climate change and the UN's International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea stating that countries have a legal obligation to safeguard the ocean from greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Collaboration for Methane Reduction

In another significant development, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) partnered with major food companies like Nestlé, Starbucks, and Danone to reduce methane emissions from the dairy industry. This collaboration aims to develop a framework for measuring and reporting methane emissions from dairy farms in their supply chains. Methane reduction is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming, and this initiative could set a new industry standard, driving large-scale change across the dairy sector.

 

In conclusion, the fight between climate activism and climate change is ongoing and complex. Activism has enabled a huge and speedy progress, but much work still remains. By understanding the roles, forms, and goals of climate activism, we can better appreciate the efforts being made and the challenges that lie ahead.

To read more about the information presented in this article you may want to read This week in climate policy: 4 stories you should follow and learn about the progress in climate action this spring from Climateaction bloomed this spring.

On an ending note, let’s remember that the future of our planet depends on the continued efforts and dedication of climate activists worldwide.