As the climate talks come to an end, thousands of activists are planning to take to the streets of Paris at a still undisclosed location for a creative and powerful gathering to show the movement’s commitment to keep up the fight for climate justice. People will carry red flowers to honour the past and future victims of climate change, as well as to signify their personal commitment to keep taking action long after the climate talks end.
The public gathering should be an incredible visual to close out the two weeks of climate talks. Organizers plan to unfurl over 100 meters of red fabric to form a giant red line down a major boulevard. The flowers will include more than 5,000 red tulips (sustainably sourced from Belgium) that will be laid down along the line.
Public demonstrations, including the major march that was planned to open the summit, have been banned because of the State of Emergency. The “Red Lines” action is an unpermitted event–one of the first times people have returned to the streets of Paris for a major demonstration since the tragic attacks of 13th November.
While organizers will say the event is planned for somewhere in central Paris, they are keeping the exact location of the demonstration a secret for the time being. Journalists and interested parties are encouraged to sign up on the D12 website[1] to get an email and SMS when the location is announced.
On Wednesday afternoon, organizers released a letter from prominent movement voices[2] inviting people to take part in the demonstration–and emphasizing the importance that the event remain peaceful.
“This gathering is about respect,” they write. “We know that our leaders have shown little respect—not for the rights of people on a planet torn by inequality and racism, nor for the red lines for a just and livable planet. Lines we should dare not violate. So we will stand with our bodies to draw red lines, committed to protect our common home from burning up.”
The Red Lines action is intended to launch a new wave of what some activists call “climate disobedience,” civil disobedience actions that challenge the fossil fuel industry, often at major infrastructure projects like coal mines or pipelines. On Thursday, campaigners at COP21 will announce a major mobilization planned for May 2016 called “Break Free,” when people around the world will take on some of the worst fossil fuel projects in their region.
WHEN: Saturday December 12 at 12 (12.12.12). Exact location to be announced beforehand. Details will be posted here: http://d12.paris/
WHAT: Thousands will collectively build a “red line” to recognize those who have lost their lives to climate change, war and terror; those who will in the future; and to demonstrate the climate justice movement’s shared commitment to keep fighting to keep fossil fuels in the ground and make a just transition to 100% renewable energy.
[1] D12 website: http://d12.paris/
[2] “Red Lines: It’s Up To Us To Keep It In The Ground”
[3] Timelapse video of Red Lines Banner for D12
[4] Animation of Red Lines by Mustashrik
