Young people for the climate in Paris: “We are still here, despite the crises and just before the election”

The signs are as colorful as the hair of those holding them. This Friday, thousands of young people marched all over France to show their anxiety about global warming. In their sights: TotalEnergies and political inaction. At the starting point of the Parisian march, Place du Panthéon, a dozen activists pose in front of a piece of plastic pipeline. Motionless, all in red dressed in a combination of gas station attendants and a full black mask, the activists deploy their shocking slogans. “We can’t drink oil”, understand “You can’t drink oil”, in reference to the famous phrase of Vanessa Nakate, climate activist and counterpart of Greta Thunberg in Uganda.

Already at the heart of the turmoil through its presence in Russia, the French oil company is also the high point of the protest here. Reason? Its pipeline project in Uganda’s oldest and largest natural park, Murchison Falls. Expropriations, endangering rich ecosystems… The controversial construction of this pipeline scandalizes young activists. “We are here to put pressure on Total, but also on all the banks that would like to finance this project”, explains Stacy, 25 and a student at Sciences-Po. “We know that NGOs and petitions have an impact, that we can change things by mobilizing. We have already succeeded in stopping other pipeline projects in the past, and we intend to do the same with this one.

1.5% of speaking time in the media

Another hobbyhorse of youth: the time given to the climate issue by presidential candidates. From February 28 to March 6, environmental issues represented only 1.5% of speaking time in the media, according to the climate barometer of the Affair of the Century, the group that led to the condemnation of the state for climate inaction. “They made a debate on Twitch, it’s already great. But people like my parents who get information on the news do not have access to this decryption”, laments Stacy. An opinion shared by the rest of the demonstrators. “Political debates are sorely lacking in climate, details Lila, 18 years old. Security and immigration issues, which do not seem to me to be approached from the right angle, are out of step with our reality.” For her and her acolytes Justine and Pablo, all three spokespersons for the Fridays for Future movement – ​​which coordinated the various marches in France – mobilization is a “remedy for anxiety”. “We feel compelled to commit. You just can’t live carefree, as if nothing is happening.”

Strasbourg, Rouen, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, many French cities saw their youth rise this Friday. “These demonstrations are symbolic, we show that we are still there, despite the crises, the pandemic and just before the election”, enthused Stacy. Since Nancy, Guénolé, him, was not satisfied to organize the strike. He also launched the “Youth Appeal to Presidential Candidates”, a “warning call from young people to urge the […] policies […] to commit to a truly ambitious program in terms of environmental protection”.

“I need to show my mobilization”

Facing the Pantheon, the square fills up little by little. Under the sun, small groups are busy coloring signs, hijacking advertising posters, or playing cards while waiting for the start of the march. If students and high school students have responded to defend the climate, college students are not left out. Young teenager with glasses with unfailing involvement, Raphaël wants “to show [s]there is dissatisfaction with the government”. And this, from 13 years old. “I convinced my parents to let me come today, I need to show my mobilization.” At his side, acquiescence and a knowing smile from his father who agrees to let his son skip class “as long as it is important and that it remains exceptional”.

Activism, a family story? At 53, Séverine also came to show her support for her daughter and her friends, but also for the whole youth. “I’m proud of them, they’re happy, strong, responsive.” She who would like to see more parents alongside their children to denounce the “monstrous threat” of global warming is surprised by the absence of these walking. “The adults are responsible for this mess, where are they?”

As the procession rushes forward, Matéo shouts his anger and motivates the troops, perched on a pole and megaphone in hand: “And 1, and 2, and 3 degrees! It is a crime against humanity!” At 19, the student in organizational sciences also denounces political inaction. “It’s not normal that our old leaders decide the world in which we young people will live.” Expeditious, his broken voice carries when he walks away: “All we ask for is a better world.”

A few meters from Place de la Bastille, where the march is to end, the procession takes on a festive air. Sound at the top of the parade, fanfare at its tail, several hundred young people – 1,600 according to the police headquarters – dance in rhythm, makeup and colorful outfits proudly displayed. Under the half-amused, half-surprised gaze of passers-by, the slogans continue to fly: “Bac +3 degrees, zero outlets!”