On Friday, environmental activists and citizens across the continent took part in a host of events, in solidarity with the Global climate strikes, highlighting the need for urgent climate action. The events took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. While the events addressed varying issues in the host countries, the underlying message was clear - African countries need to take urgent climate action to bring fossil fuel exploration to an end and accelerate plans for a just transition to renewable energy. Landry Ninteretse of 350Africa.org said, “Years of empty promises and lack of real action have pushed once again young people around the world to the streets this Friday. African countries continue to suffer disproportionately from the devastating climate impacts. The widespread actions across Africa are a move by the people most affected by these impacts to hold governments, financial institutions funding fossil fuels and other stakeholders accountable. They are urging world leaders to end any kind of support to the fossil fuel industry while investing massively in renewable energy which will provide clean energy, create millions of jobs and protect our fragile climate and ecosystems. Our collective actions going forward will determine the fate of our planet.” Pascal Mirindi of Extinction Rebellion (DRC) “What the people are fighting for is the future of our planet. With time not being on our side, we cannot afford any more fossil fuel projects that threaten sensitive ecosystems, pose human right violations and interfere with livelihoods of local communities. The people are standing firm against fossil fuels and calling on governments to safeguard the interests of their citizens and protect our environment” Portia Adu Mensah, Coordinator of the Renewable Energy for Communities (RE4C) campaign said “It is great to see people coming together to agitate for climate action. It is time governments heard the call to reject fossil fuels and formulate plans for a rapid, just transition to a clean energy future. Beyond hearing the call, governments have to prioritize climate action, to secure the future of our planet. The well-being of the people and the state of our environment, should come before the selfish interests of fossil fuel companies and investors.”Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 350.org. Notes for Editors The Global Climate Strikes (https://bit.ly/3i55nNn) are a series of international strikes and actions aimed at demanding action to address climate change. Photos and videos from the various actions: Can be accessed here - https://bit.ly/3zyknsN (the folder is updated as the actions take place across the continent). All images should be credited to 350Africa.org. Send us your press releases to pressrelease.zawya@refinitiv.com © Press Release 2021 Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
