An afternoon with FFF Kyoto, an exchange of values

“Climate change is already here.” That was the opening message that Fridays For Future Kyoto (FFF Kyoto) shared as they opened their dialogue event on 29 January, “Climate Dialogue Between You and Me – Stopping the climate crisis and what we need to protect.”

FFF Kyoto organized this dialogue to create a platform for Kyoto citizens to share each other’s opinions on climate change. A social system change is required to answer climate justice, but rather than making the dialogue’s goal to find solutions, FFF Kyoto wants to create a discussion for individuals in local communities to share their values and recognize differences in their diversity.

“Proposing concrete solutions and policy recommendations lead to a functioning society. We felt that Kyoto citizens need to understand each others’ values to lead us to solutions.” FFF Kyoto member, Hiroto Kato, shared. “Furthermore, the organizers have interests in different aspects even though our common goal is climate justice. The conclusion was to hold an event to exchange opinions as the first step for societal change.”

The Why: reasons we care about climate change

In the first 10 minutes before the dialogue between participants, FFF Kyoto shared the global goals and efforts to address the climate crisis. They also reminded us that the climate crisis is already affecting many beyond the borders of Japan. One of the examples was the floodings that devastated Pakistan in June/August last year. Extreme weather events are but one of the new realities humans must face, and they are a reminder of how urgent action is needed.

The first dialogue exchange began with self-introductions, to share what aspects of the climate crisis they are interested in, and how they became invested in the issue. The last was an opportunity for the participants to share their why’s. Just as the climate crisis affects different groups differently, Fridays For Future Kyoto understands that there are multiple reasons why the crisis would mean to different participants. And the reasons ranged from environmental to gender to sustainability and even political.

So the exchange was not just about what matters to the participants but also why it matters to them. And the format worked, proven by the enthusiastic interactions between the participants.

The What: what we want to protect

The initial exchange was followed by discussion-proper: what matters to us the most that we want to protect from the climate crisis? What is it that we must do to protect it (them)?

The open-ended question left some daunted by the scale of the question. But having no barrier between new friends, this was where the diversity of the participants shone. Although there was no mention of occupation during self-introductions, participants were able to bring different experiences to the table, initiating a snowball effect of ideas and common goals.

“The dialogue allowed us to recognize each others’ perspectives regarding the climate crisis. For example, some individuals saw critically how the current social systems affected climate change. Some saw political participation as a major factor in the climate crisis. Others emphasized sustainable lives for individuals when approaching the topic,” Kato recalled.

As the dialogue concluded, participants were left in high energy, exchanging positive feedback about the session. Kato felt the event gave energy to the organizers too, thankful for the participants who made it possible, and was looking forward to the near future.

“We want to maintain a space for continuous dialogue, especially to include anyone who could not make it for the dialogue session. Such a space will also allow people to share how their thinking has changed.

“FFF Kyoto members are youths and young adult. Some of us are students, so we always try to find a balance between studies and FFF activities. Nevertheless, moving forward, FFF Kyoto wants to continue challenging the status quo and bring about societal change.”

A safe space to talk about climate change

Sometimes, to speak is to risk. There was a time when speaking about environmental issues would be met with dry reactions or even ridicule. We’ve come a long way now that taking action like going on Climate Marches is trendy. But some still are hesitant to talk about the climate crisis and the aspects they care about and want to protect. That becomes doubly difficult if the people around them still display apathy.

That is why this dialogue session is crucial for many. Fridays For Future Kyoto has created a safe space where a diverse group can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts about the climate crisis. Here, they find new friends with similar commonalities, reinforcing their motivation to tackle climate change while discovering new perspectives. In a way, they have found acceptance for what they care about, which is one way positive changes come about.

Future climate events to join in Kyoto/Japan

If you are in Kyoto, be sure to follow Fridays for Future Kyoto on their Instagram and Twitter. It is also where they will share their new activities.

Even if you are not in Kyoto, there are upcoming events you can participate in too.

3.5seed in Kyoto

3.5seed is an event for youths and young adults (between 15~25 years old) where participants learn about social problems surrounding climate change. The dialogue invites experts to talk on various topics like gender and politics, and is an opportunity for participants to network.

The upcoming event will be held on 12 March, inviting Tokie Tanaka from Kiko Network and Kazue Muta from Osaka University to speak about climate change and gender, respectively.

Global Climate Action 0303 (Global Climate March)

As part of the Global Climate March movement, it is a nationwide event where individual FFF cells in Japan will lead climate action in Japan.

If you are in Kyoto, follow FFF Kyoto’s Instagram  and Twitter for the latest updates for 3 March. Even if you are not in Kyoto, you can find your local FFF community and join them this coming March (list here, towards the bottom of page.

Editor’s note

Please don’t hesitate to join FFF Kyoto’s events (or FFF Japan’s, for that matter) even if you find speaking Japanese difficult. Climate action should go beyond language barriers. Feel free to reach out to FFF Kyoto on their social network accounts to discuss if language support would be possible.

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