MADRID – Thousands of people filled the streets of twenty Spanish cities on Friday to demand the end of fossil fuels. “Decarbonisation now!” was their battle cry. The protests come ahead of the UN climate summit on September 20 in New York.
Several organisations, including Alianza por el Clima and Fridays for Future, organised the protest. More than 40 groups and platforms expressed their support. The main event took place in Madrid and attracted around 600 participants, according to government sources.
Junto con @AlianzaXClima, exigimos una descarbonización mundial rápida, justa y definitiva
En España
➡️ esto significa reducir las emisiones en un 55% para 2030¡La inacción ya no es una opción! pic.twitter.com/LLPHZv8B3Q
— WWF España 🐼 (@WWFespana) September 15, 2023
Other cities will follow
In addition to Madrid, people also took to the streets in cities such as Bilbao, Valencia, Málaga, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Palma de Mallorca. They formed a “black wave” to push their demand for an end to fossil fuels. Spain must reduce its use of fossil fuels by 55% by 2030.
Urgent call
According to the organisation Fridays for Future, decarbonisation must happen “fast”, as science indicates. They argue that current climate legislation is inadequate and call for a “just” transition that leaves no one behind. The WWF states that rich countries are primarily responsible for the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects poorer countries.
Technical, social and legal solutions needed
Organisations such as WWF, Oxfam Intermón and Ecologistas en Acción have also expressed their support. They advocate technical, social and legal solutions to meet the climate challenge. Furthermore, a net reduction in energy consumption and a fair transition for everyone to a sustainable world within the limits of the planet are needed.
