This week will see the biggest Climate Strike worldwide yet, inspired by Swedish youth campaigner, Greta Thunberg.
Friday 20th September will see a global scale direct action protest for climate justice, amidst the devastating effects of the climate and ecological crisis that humanity is currently facing.
Last week, North West Green MEP, Gina Dowding, travelled to Brussels, taking with her 17 youth climate campaigners from the North West, on a visit to see European Parliament.
The trip took place on the 9–11 of September for the 18-25-year-olds and was created due to the overwhelming interest in how European Parliament works, along with the role of MEPs and how Green MEPs in particular, are working to place climate action and climate justice at the very top of the parliamentary agenda.
The attendees all previously took part in student climate strikes or have actively campaigned on climate justice issues. The group had a packed itinerary, from sitting in on committees, meeting other EU MEPs and NGOs to talk about climate action in the European Parliament, a tour and talk by parliament staff to spending time with Belgian climate strikers, which was organised by Jan Steurs from the Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG).
“I feel incredibly grateful to all the Green Party staff and MEPs who facilitated our visit to Brussels,” said Juliette Chandler, aged 18, from Morecambe. “It was so inspiring to see people from so many countries collaborating and learn about their work regarding climate change, as well as what they are hoping to achieve in the future.
“The most interesting part for me was talking to MEPs about their experiences, as well as watching part of a meeting of Greens-European Free Alliance. The visit has shown me the impact that our strikes and protests are having and inspired me to continue to campaign harder to prevent climate change.
“Talking to other young campaigners, from both Britain and Belgium, has taught me so much about their brilliant work and it was wonderful to spend time and have discussions with such a kind and thoughtful group of people.”