Activists from Lamu celebrate a court ruling revoking new coal plant license in Kenya. Photo: DeCOALonise
There's so much happening in the movement for a world free from fossil fuels every single day. And it's not only in the US. All over the world, local campaigns are pushing ahead to accelerate a just, renewable energy economy that works for everyone. These stories inspire and give us hope – and sometimes even make us angry.
Just look at the past two weeks. From breaking news that a UNESCO world heritage site in Kenya is safe from a destructive new coal project, to mega-mine and pipeline approvals on opposite ends of the world: there've been some big climate wins and a couple disheartening setbacks, too.
In Fossil Free News, we scan the globe and bring you real, easy-to-read updates from people-powered campaigns all over. I'll keep sending this newsletter out every two weeks, so you're always up to date.
In this week's edition, we dig in to some big pieces of news from signature campaigns from around the globe.
In Case You Missed It
Breaking: A Kenyan court just revoked the license for Lamu coal plant. First proposed in 2015, the Lamu community have fought for years to stop Kenya's first coal-fired power plant being built. It's been challenged fiercely by local residents, activists, scientists & lawyers not only for its climate implications, but also because Lamu is a UNESCO heritage site preserved for its biodiversity and rich multicultural heritage. Watch
On to the next one: Another site of impressive natural heritage at risk from coal is due for its own decision. The Sundarban mangrove forest in Bangladesh is home to 4.5 million people and the royal Bengal tiger. Despite a years-long resistance from residents, the government is still pushing construction of Rampal coal plant in the forest. Earlier this month, the international union for nature conservation called for the site to be placed on UNESCO's endangered list, because of danger from the plant and other industry. UNESCO officials are currently meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, where they’ll make the final decision soon. More
Global heating: India has been suffering from sustained deadly temperatures with some cities reaching 50˚C degrees and Europe was sweltering under record-breaking temperatures last week too. Scientists are still reeling from the desperate new data showing Greenland's unexpectedly rapid ice loss.
In Cape Town, student strikers link the call for climate justice to Youth Day. Photo: Glen Tyler
Youth Power: Hundreds of youth in cities across South Africa marked the anniversary of the Soweto youth uprising, a historic turning point in the movement against apartheid. This time, they're standing up against ecological apartheid and climate crisis. Their actions resonated far and wide, with President Ramaphosa responding in his annual State of the Nation address. Read more
People assemble on the edge of Garzweiler mine in solidarity with activists below. Photo: Alle Dörfer
No further: From June 20 to 24, thousands from across Europe came together to shut down a coal mine through peaceful direct action. Every year the number of jump-suited activists willing to descend into the dirty heart of Germany's lignite mines grows. And this time, 40,000 more striking students stood with them in solidarity. Read more.
Wait, what?: One day after declaring a climate emergency in Canada, Justin Trudeau approved the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline to transport Alberta's tar sands to the western coast. Trudeau's hypocrisy is in stark contrast to the 7,000 people who showed up at over 200 town halls to develop the detail of a Green New Deal for Canada. Spoiler alert: there's no room for tar sands expansion in the deal. Read more
No rest for Australian activists: Adani received approval for the enormous Carmichael Mine, which plans to export coal through the Great Barrier Reef. Snap 'climate emergency' actions are being held across the country in response. More on the approval
One to Watch
"We are not responsible for global warming. We know that when we hear about climate change... but we are the ones who suffer the consequences."
In this powerful video to mark this year's World Refugee Day, Cheikh Fadel Wade takes us to Bargny, a fishing town on the coast of Senegal. The effects of climate-fueled coastal erosion, rising seas, and drought are rippling through the community, leaving many with no choice but to emigrate in search of a new home. It's a powerful reminder that climate justice also requires migrant justice. Watch
Use Your Power
Activists pose as heads of the world's largest economies in Osaka during the G20. Photo: 350 East Asia
Despite huge public pressure ahead of the annual G20 summit in Osaka last weekend, G20 leaders failed to deliver. Demonstrations had been springing up in different Asian cities, to demand Japan step up as a climate leader and pledge to end coal financing. Thousands more globally added their voices to the call to let Prime Minister Abe know the world is watching. Read more on G20 here.
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That's it for now. We'll be back next week with more climate movement news from around the world.