Climate Week 1: Post 1

            With the UNFCC beginning today in Paris, France and the terrorist attacks that took place there a couple weeks ago, the country was put into a state of emergency. The government also put a ban on large gatherings of people in public, such as protests or marches, which were set to happen due to the upcoming climate conference. Leading up to the conference I was interested particularly in how this would play out. Would any happen? Would this cause unrest? Fortunately an article from Grist.org was able to help answer my questions.

            So what did climate activists do in spite of the ban on large demonstrations? Two things. A human chain made up of around 10,000 stretched for two miles along a central route in Paris. Members of the chain held up signs that were largely anti-capitalistic, called for environmental justice, and much more. Even much of the graffiti art along the path was modified to convey peaceful, yet effective climate messages. The second act of demonstration was a particularly clever one. 20,000 pairs of shoes were laid along Place de la République to represent the people who would have participated in the marches that were scheduled prior to the attacks.

            It was refreshing to hear of all of this because it means that the climate fight is one that won’t back down and it’s one that doesn’t even have to be violent to earn attention. Climate protesters played by the rules and received worldwide attention for their efforts. Unfortunately violence did rise later Sunday, due to a non-affiliated group antagonizing the police, forcing them to throw tear gas into the streets. I still find it to be a great start to what will hopefully be a revolutionary conference and can’t wait to see if the peace continues to unfold.