FFF Japan: “You can no longer pretend not to see the climate crisis”

One can call the efforts of the youths of Fridays for Future Japan against climate change valiant. Despite Year Two of the pandemic preventing their activism from being more visible, their online strides have been consistent and unrelenting. However, the Global Climate Action held across Japan last Friday carried a graver message, reflected in the chosen hashtag, “You can no longer pretend not to see the climate crisis.”

We repeat: Climate change is already here

It’s the same familiar story we have heard many times before but chose not to listen to. IPPC’s sixth assessment models showed the approaching menace of social and environmental destruction. We will miss the 1.5°C target by 2040 if we do not stop emitting greenhouse gases into the air immediately.

But we did not need to wait till 2040 to savor the destruction. Extreme weather is hitting different parts of the globe hard. These include record-breaking rains in Japan, hailstorms in Paris, wildfires in Turkey, and flash floods in New York, to name a few. These are on top of the impending food production crisis, the threat of oceanic ecological collapse, and the growing numbers of climate refugees.

We can no longer pretend not to see the climate crisis.

Fridays For Future Japan demands action, demands change

Despite this, FFF Japan led by example through action. A mix of more than 107 online and offline projects and events took place throughout the country on September 24. The events included the movie screening of “Minamata,” a story depicting the crimes of industrial pollution, a philosophical sharing on climate change, and standing demonstrations to demand the three major megabanks, JERA and JICA, to immediately withdraw from the coal-fired power business.

FFF Japan is urging businesses and governments to take immediate action, especially if Japan is really committed to tackle climate change and meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. They have listed 19 demands that businesses and governments take.

For example, FFF Japan demands businesses shift towards using 100% renewable energy and prioritize environmental protection and human rights over profits. They also demanded governments to, for example, all policymakers and stakeholders to learn deeply about science and climate justice and act on the rights of all refugees, including climate refugees.

Let our voices be heard for COP26

About 500 participants joined the closing online talk, with selected representatives of FFF Japan cells and guest speakers. Participants were reminded of how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated injustices throughout the world. Climate change is a justice issue for human rights, especially when MAPA (Most Affected Peoples and Areas) often lack the resources to deal with crises.

In about 30 days, global leaders will be meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). FFF Japan is encouraging all to voice up. As part of the final stages of Japan’s 6th Basic Energy Plan, it is calling for the public to share their opinions. Opinions on topics like renewables, nuclear energy, and disaster preparation are encouraged.

Demand change, because we are living on borrowed time from future generations. We need to make sure our voices reach the decision-makers attending COP26 if we want to avoid a climate catastrophe that will affect our children’s wellbeing.