This is Only the Beginning: COP21 - Climate Emergency (Dispatch 6)

Synopsis

On Saturday, December 12th, the international climate justice movement marks d12 with significant protests at COP21 in Paris. Activists express their discontent with the anticipated agreements from world leaders, believing they will not suffice to avert a climate catastrophe. The protests occur after the lifting of a ban on demonstrations that was enforced during the state of emergency in France following the November 13 Paris terror attacks. Protesters, including indigenous communities, form a two-kilometer long human chain to symbolize the critical red lines that must not be crossed, particularly the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit. The event highlights the frustrations of climate justice activists who felt targeted under the previous state of emergency, as other public events were allowed while protests were not. Katie, a spokesperson, discusses the significance of this mobilization and the ongoing struggle for climate justice.