The voice of a new generation: no time to waste!
Interview with Adélaïde Charlier and Anuna De Wever, climate activists from Youth for Climate
If 2019 goes down in history as the year of growing climate awareness, it will be partly due to students going out on the streets to demonstrate in favour of increased action against climate change, and against delays in meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement commitments. Without a doubt, one of the best-known activists is Greta Thunberg, who first demonstrated outside the Swedish parliament in September 2018. In Belgium – and, rather visibly for EU policymakers, in Brussels — large-scale protests were organised by the action group Youth for Climate, setting an example followed by many students in other EU capitals and beyond. Climate activists Adélaïde Charlier and Anuna De Wever have been leading and coordinating the Youth for Climate actions in Belgium. Here, they explain what motivated them to act, what they stand for and how they view current initiatives such as the European Green Deal.
By Gaston Moonen
The quest to combat climate change
The figures are revealing — student protests for climate action have mobilised an impressive number of people. According to estimates, more than a million protesters gathered on 15 March 2019, taking part in 2200 protests in 125 countries. On 20 and 27 September 2019, a series of 4500 protests were organised in more than 150 countries calling for increased action against climate change, with roughly 4 million protesters (many of them schoolchildren) taking part on 20 September. Anuna and Adélaïde, both now 19 years old, were the lead organisers of the protests in Belgium.
It all started in December 2018, when Anuna decided to follow Greta Thunberg’s example and take action. Anuna recalls, ‘Before the first strike we did we posted a video online saying that we will strike for the climate and everyone, people could join us. We did the strike, there were 3 000 people, it was directly in the news, it was kind of everywhere, because obviously we skipped the school. Immediately the media was very interested.’ To arrange the second protest across the whole of Belgium, Anuna contacted Adélaïde. ‘Because there were actually only Flemish people on the first strike. And we want bridges, we do not care what language you speak or where you live.’ Adélaïde agrees, ‘The climate crisis goes beyond any barriers, beyond Belgium, beyond Europe. And everything is included .’
“The climate crisis goes beyond any barriers, beyond Belgium, beyond Europe. And everything is included.”
Anuna explains that Adelaide mostly made arrangements for the second protest in the French-speaking part of Belgium, while she herself organised action in the Flemish-speaking area. Participant numbers grew quickly from an initial 3 000 people to 12 500, then again to 35 000. The number of students involved in organising the protests also rose fast. Anuna explains, ‘We had strikes for 20 weeks, every week. Now we are a movement of almost 30 people working together consistently to organise, to think on actions we are going to do, to work internationally.’ Both point out that since then they have worked with scientists, contributed to discussions and done TED talks. Anuna adds, ‘We also went abroad and we are now interns in a parliament. We had many opportunities to raise our voices.’
Many people have noticed the original slogans used to express the new generation’s concerns. When discussing which stand out for them, Anuna is clear: ‘Mine is We reached the point having to fight own government to survive.’ Adélaïde points out that there were many extremely creative slogans: ‘For example, There is no planet B, very simple but very true.’ She also mentions the slogan, We are not only destroying the planet, we are destroying ourselves, adding, ‘Many referred to the fact that we have no time left to waste, for example: The dinosaurs thought that they had time too.’
Both young activists clearly appreciate the support they have received from their families so far. Anuna explains, ‘Both my parents and my sisters have experiences with activism. They helped me a lot and they came to the strikes.’ She adds that they have been very supportive ‘because, obviously, they understand what I’m doing. It is not for us individually — we miss family events, many evenings you have to go to meetings and talks, so not at home a lot — they understand that we are doing it not for us but for our future and our whole generation.’ Adélaïde agrees, ‘My family is not an activist family but conscious about climate change and understands that we need to move the whole society. So they understand me. From the school part — I think I was perhaps luckier than Anuna — my teachers understood and gave me time and also helped me to go through different courses even though maybe I missed them. They were very understanding.’
After two months of lockdown due to Covid-19, Adélaïde points out that the Youth for Climate movement has only existed for eighteen months. ‘The fact that we are still here today is already amazing. Of course, a movement has moves — ups and downs — but we are still here and we will keep going, also now. Even though it is hard, really hard for youth and citizens in general to be asking for something and failing again and again. Because no one is listening to them.’ They admit that motivation can become an issue if you do not see real changes. As Adélaïde comments, ‘That can be very hard. As activists, what is hard that you never see the results but you keep fighting and that is what we are going to do. We are going to stay out there and try to see the action that we are actually demanding.’
“We are going to stay out there and try to see the action that we are actually demanding.”
Strong leadership needed to achieve decarbonisation
Anuna attributes responsibility for action — and the lack of it — to politicians, saying, ‘What is important to realise: lack of their action is not the failure of us! We were millions of people, all around the world. And yes, obviously it slowed down because we were doing so much and getting nothing back. This is the huge failure of our politicians — not answering what young people are demanding. They are disappointing a whole generation of young people who do not believe in politicians anymore .’
“…our politicians (…) are disappointing a whole generation of young people who do not believe in politicians anymore.”
When looking back at the big protests, Adélaïde makes it clear that the shared mood was one of anger and panic at what the future world would look like if nothing happened. ‘It was nothing like “Ooh, today we can skip school!” There are people who have to do another year because of skipping so much. Their grades were going down, got sanctions from their school. But they kept going.’ She says there is no alternative. ‘As young people you realise what the climate crisis means and what it is going to do with your own life — it is going to affect everyone in a horrible way and you do not see any alternative. You have to keep on fighting. This is also the biggest problem — that our politicians do not understand that there is no alternative. They always say “but” instead of “Yes, we have to do this.”
“At the end of the century we will have over a billion climate refugees (…) because of famine, because of no water, because of the fact that it is literally too hot.”
For both activists, the focus is too often on the wrong things, on issues that were important in the ‘old’ world but are secondary in the future world. After all, what need for an economy if the climate is not conducive to a decent life? Anuna argues, ‘There will be no economy! Humanity can be extinct if we do not do anything.’ She refers to the millions of climate refugees, saying, ‘That is happening right now. At the end of the century we will have over a billion climate refugees who fled their homes because of famine, because of no water, because of the fact that it is literally too hot.’
“…195 countries signed the 2015 Paris Agreement. And nobody is in line on reaching the targets!”
Anuna points out that the biggest responsibility for addressing climate change lies with Europe and North America, the countries and continents wealthy enough to take action, yet there is often a lot of finger pointing. ‘We are all doing horrible: 195 countries signed the 2015 Paris Agreement. And nobody is in line on reaching the targets !’ Adélaïde adds that it is important to remember that 85 % of atmospheric CO2 was emitted by ‘Western’ societies during their development. ‘That is us and America. We have developed and other countries are also emitting CO2. But we have a historical responsibility. That is why we need to be the leaders. And we are wealthy enough to do this decarbonisation.’
“If we do not have systemic change we will never be able to fight the climate crisis”.
When discussing what they themselves do to reduce their carbon footprint, beside demonstrating for climate change action, Adélaïde gives a few examples: ‘We are both vegetarians. Consuming meat is also linked to how much CO2 is put into the atmosphere. We have sailed to South America to contribute to a project in the Amazon forests, also to understand the link between human rights and the climate crisis. Not to say that everyone has to sail there. But the problem is that aviation has become normal and is also subsidised by governments.’ In her view, governments are often blinkered when giving out money. ‘We are still giving unlimited resources to societies while we are living on a planet that has its limitations.’ She underlines that it is important for each person individually to contribute to the transition. ‘But what we need today is also systemic change. If we do not have systemic change we will never be able to fight the climate crisis.’
Learning the ropes of policymaking
Throughout the interview, Adélaïde and Anuna come across as knowledgeable. Beside their motivation and interest, they have acquired significant hands-on experience on climate policymaking during the European Parliament internship they began a few months ago, unsurprisingly working for the European Greens. Anuna clarifies, ‘Obviously the Green Party is doing a lot for the climate. But climate does not have a political colour and every party should be a climate party.’
The two activists consider the internship an opportunity to have a voice at the Parliament, ‘and to learn how it is working and where they are in terms of climate goals and how is everything structured. We are still young,’ says Adélaïde. She sees it as a chance to create a link between youth and politicians, ‘to create links and to make sure that they do not forget what the youth were shouting for and are still shouting for today. Besides shouting on the streets we are also talking to politicians during meetings when we see them, and they know we are in there, keeping track of and towards this climate emergency.’
Now, working at the European Parliament, both Anuna and Adélaïde realise the true impact of their demonstrations. Anuna explains, ‘When you are in the parliament, every time when there is a climate debate and people are talking about climate policies or legislation, they are always referring to the climate strikes and what we have done. The Green Deal, for example, would not have been there if we would not have been out on the streets.’ She also links her experience in the Amazon to certain concrete policies discussed, saying ‘We saw the indigenous people there. They have no voice at all, they homes have been destroyed and Europe is doing this by, for example, the MERCAS trade agreements. We, being in the parliament, are trying to influence that as well, give these people a voice. For us it is also a way to democracy.’
European Green Deal — the way forward?
As interns at the European Parliament, they have also had the opportunity to share their analysis of the Green Deal, as Adélaïde explains: ‘We could write to them freely on that. So as activists we analyse how the green deal is growing and how different EU countries are reacting to that; so how parliament and the EU moving forward. Of course we also have other tasks as interns.’ Anuna clarifies some of their main concerns, saying ‘I think the most pressing question now is: is the EU going to use the Green Deal as road map to get out of the economic crisis that the Covid-19 virus has led to? Many people are saying “Our economy has completely collapsed and needs to be restored.” But we need to be aware that it is this kind of economy and this growth that has brought us to this ecological collapse!’
Both activists agree that now is the time to use the Green Deal to rebuild the economy in a sustainable and — importantly — fair way. Adélaïde stresses, ‘It is not only about whether they are going to use the Green Deal, but also how they will ensure that this Green Deal will be financed. For now there is a call from more than 17 Member States that say “We want this Green Deal to be at the centre of attention for the re-launch of post Covid-19 support measures.” But then the question is — during this post-Corona period are they going to stay on that line?’
“… Frans Timmermans is not ambitious at all. His risk assessment from Commission is way too late (…) our carbon budget allows us to go on like this for eight years, so we have to cut drastically (…) The Green Deal is like a beautiful book cover but there is no book.”
Their fears are certainly not limited to implementation by the Member States. Anuna argues, ‘When we look at the Green Deal, for example the new Climate Law, which really compels Member States to do something, Frans Timmermans is not ambitious at all. His risk assessment from Commission is way too late . This means that, most probably, the needed legislation towards 2030 will not start to be implemented this year. Which means that according to the Paris Agreement the negotiations next year will be about 2030–2035. And this could mean that we do not have even an ambitious goal until 2030.’ She explains that a 50 % CO2 reduction by 2030 is currently considered positive, ‘but this is not enough because our carbon budget allows us to go on like this for eight years, so we have to cut drastically.’ According to Anuna, unless the Climate Law compels Member States to take serious action, it is not ambitious enough. She then refers to something Adélaïde once said:
‘The Green Deal is like a beautiful book cover but there is no book.’ She concludes, ‘So nice words but nothing is really happening.’
Adélaïde specifies further, referring to scientific data, ‘So our first fear is that in the post-Covid-19 situation the Green Deal is going to be forgotten. But if not, then we are not there yet with the Green Deal. If we really are listening to the experts, we will need a 65 % reduction for 2030. We should have climate goals not only for 2030 but for today, for tomorrow, for 2021, etc. Because right now we are talking about years and decades. But as Anuna said it: we have eight years before our carbon budget goes down and we have nothing left.’ Clearly, both young activists are feeling the time pressure and are concerned that this sense of urgency is lacking at EU level. Adélaïde says, ‘Even though they are doing a first good step with that Green Deal; we are scared that they will not keep that first step, that they will not do other steps after that.’
Another big concern is the financing of the Green Deal: ‘This is a serious concern, since the financing of the Green Deal is lacking almost completely . The ECA calculated once how much it would cost to do this transition to a carbon free society. And it said that we would need €1 000 billion for such transition. Currently Ursula von der Leyen is demanding €100 billion.’ Adélaïde concludes that the EU is still far away from a good transition, ‘And of course, that scares us!’
The two activists do not just think about the problems, but also about possible solutions, about not giving up their future. Anuna says, ‘Obviously, there is a way out. That is why we are activists; we would not do everything we are doing if there was no way out. People who say “It is silly, you cannot do anything anymore,” I really get angry. It is not true!’ She mentions that some scientists have clear goals, citing Belgium as an example. ‘If we are talking at the Member States level — in Belgium we work together with more than a hundred experts and scientists, economists, sociologists who work on a climate action plan directly to implemented in Belgium policy to make sure Belgium will meet its targets of Paris agreements by implementing really concrete measures. We gave it to all party leaders for every party in Belgium and nobody did anything with it. That is why we are super angry: our scientists are very clear on what to do. But our politicians are the ones who are making it impossible to achieve these goals .’
“…our scientists are very clear on what to do. But our politicians are the ones who are making it impossible to achieve these goals.”
She believes that the Member States could do far more if the EU were to pass a binding climate law setting targets and ceilings, saying, ‘Otherwise you will have to pay fines or taxes or you really put boundaries and limits — you can emit so much CO2 and there it stops. If you are out of production in half a year — it is your problem.’ Anuna emphasises that she and Adélaïde are recent high school graduates, saying, ‘We, from ourselves, do not have a clue what to do. We are simply listening to the scientists, the experts, reading the CO2 reports. They say exactly what needs to be done because they are experts in the field. We are just delivering the message.’
She refers to her experiences in Belgium, clarifying, ‘Here we did not say as Youth for Climate activists, “You have to make the energy transition like this.” No, we worked together with experts and as a team we identified ways for Belgium to make the energy transition in a good way. As Greta always said, “Unite behind the science.” And science is very clear: they have a lot of solutions. But we are not ready to invest in it because we are so stuck on our fossil fuel addicted society.’
Public auditors can help!
When it comes to the ECA’s role in making these changes towards a carbon-neutral society, both Anuna and Adélaïde have high expectations. Adélaïde says, ‘We need the ECA to assure that the EU budget is aligned with the EU ambitions and the fact that the Member States and the EU signed the Paris Agreement. Whether the necessary efforts are made to limit this increase in global warming to 1.5 degrees. We need the ECA to say whether what Ursula von der Leyen does is aligned or not aligned with what the ECA said needs to be done. And whether the EU has the money the ECA indicated is needed for that. Because that is a huge problem.’
“We need the ECA to say whether what Ursula von der Leyen does is aligned or not aligned…”
Anuna believes it is not that difficult to assess: ‘With the climate action we have now we are actually trying to invest millions of euros to save the planet…while billions are invested to destroy it . For example, recently the EP voted to invest €40 million in a plan for Europe to have all sorts of gas pipelines. That is fossil fuel. Almost every MEP from Belgium and the Netherlands voted in favour of it.’ Both find it disappointing to see how politicians act and react on these issues closely related to addressing climate change.
“… we are actually trying to invest millions of euros to save the planet…while billions are invested to destroy it.”
Covid-19 — a catalyst for increased climate action?
In response to criticism of Youth for Climate participants, such as the assertion that it is hypocritical to demonstrate for climate action while using luxury items that pollute the planet, the two young activists are unanimous. Anuna responds, ‘We were born in this. I think we realise that we are now in this society and maybe we do not want to be in this. As youth, we come into the world and we get the choice to change or to keep it. And we decided to change it because it is destroying our planet .’ Adélaïde comments further, ‘Neither did we choose…that we are super-privileged and other people are starving. These are things we are fighting. We did not choose all these privileges but we realise by being born in the right country with the right laws we also have a big responsibility to fight for those who do not. This is why we went to the Amazon, to listen to indigenous people there and try to give them voice. Because they deserve it.’
“As youth, we come into the world and we get the choice to change or to keep it. And we decided to change it because it is destroying our planet.”
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, it has been more difficult to make the voice of Youth for Climate heard. ‘It is of course hard, but we respect the Covid-19 rules and we take it seriously,’ says Anuna, ‘But we are creative and we are even more on social media. And we will have actions while respecting the rules. We have to keep pushing Europe, we have to keep pushing our country, because sadly it is not because there is a crisis the other crisis is stopping. Covid-19 is here but does not stop climate change, CO2 is still released. We still have to act.’ Adélaïde points out that young people are not ignoring the global pandemic; on the contrary, ‘Many of us are volunteering and helping homelessness people to get food and helping in nursing homes, really necessary right now. At the same time, many people are forgetting about the climate crisis which is more pressing and which will lead to more deaths. The Covid-19 crisis is important, also to serve as a catalyst for more climate action.’
According to Anuna, the Covid-19 pandemic shows the extent to which politicians can mobilise in response to a crisis. ‘Politicians were telling us all the time: “We cannot do this or that against climate change because of economic losses, because people would not be happy, because of lack of support from the people.” But obviously they do not care enough. They are doing everything now, they are just deciding because they see the crisis. And that is what you need to do — you need to show leadership!’ She finds it somewhat hypocritical, saying ‘And we will call out on this. Because after this crisis they have to also do exactly the same extreme measures with the climate crisis.’
“Without resilience we cannot face the shock, not for a health crisis…or the climate crisis.”
Adélaïde believes the world can learn a number of things from the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘They were also listening to science for once. And they have been anticipating. Which shows that if you anticipate there is a less of a shock. Without resilience we cannot face the shock, not for a health crisis…or the climate crisis . There are many, many lessons learn from the pandemic…to face the climate crisis.’ After their internships, Adélaïde and Anuna plan to study social sciences in Brussels. They also plan to keep working hard for the Youth for Climate cause during their studies — as Adélaïde emphasises, ‘There is absolutely no time to waste!’
This article was first published on the 2/2020 issue of the ECA Journal. The contents of the interviews and the articles are the sole responsibility of the interviewees and authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Court of Auditors.
