On 15 August 1500 people took part in a daring act of civil disobedience to shut down Europe’s biggest source of CO2 emissions.
This mass action halted production in the Garzweiler lignite mine in Rhineland, Germany and showed that people are no longer prepared to sit back and watch politicians fail to keep fossil fuels in the ground.
In order to keep temperature rises below 2°C we know that 80% of the world’s known fossil fuel reserves are unburnable, yet politicians continue to subsidise and support fossil fuel companies.
We are building power for the climate movement in the lead up to climate negotiations in Paris later this year and beyond to confront politicians and polluters, and accelerate the unstoppable energy transition that is already underway.
People from around the world were inspired by the actions of the 1500 people who took part in Ende Gelände. Thousands of messages of support rolled in, below are just a handful of highlights.
from Wales to Germany, Claude sends a message of solidarity! #stopdigging #endcoal #EndeGelaende pic.twitter.com/PuxazQiu5A
— Lucy Lucy Lucy (@PixiePatJack) August 15, 2015We are fighting against Coal in Palawan, the Philippines. WE JOIN our friends in GERMANY. #ENDCOAL pic.twitter.com/BAo9aYY8Ls
— 350 Palawan (@350Palawan) August 15, 2015"I am so proud of every single one of you making this brave stand on behalf of the planet, especially those engaged in an action for the first time. My 4-year-old daughter Stella is thanking you and waving/smiling as I write." Rob, London
My thanks and thoughts go out to the brave #EndeGelande activists today! True heroes! You've got my endless support! #endcoal
— Ruben Brundell (@rubenbrundell) August 15, 2015"For decades Politicians have failed to act effectively on climate change. Time has nearly run out and the healthy and fulfilling future for humankind depends on action now. Your commitment, courage and determination could prove to be the inspiration needed to trigger the necessary action by Government and business." Gordon, Montrose
"I am very proud to be part of the movement that takes a strong stand for renewable energy and I want to tell you that you are awesome. My thoughts are with you today and I am eager to follow your actions. Renate, Puchenau
"It takes superheroes to save planets. That makes every one of you a superhero!"Graeme, Hawick
Activists, campaigners,citizens at #EndeGelaende today: thank you so much for walking into the mines to ensure we #endcoal to protect us all
— Louisa Casson (@LouisaCasson) August 15, 2015In awe and in solidarity with everyone heading to SHUT DOWN the Rhineland coalfields in Germany this weekend #EndCoal http://t.co/ljfCkon1Dw
— Ronagh Craddock (@ronaghcraddock) August 15, 2015"It encourages so much – now, I just thought the first time about to do such an activity myself :) Keep on!" Lisa, Vienna
The newly released REpowerEU International Energy Strategy calls for a reckless course of action regarding decreasing reliance on fossil fuels from Russia by calling on the United States, Canada, Africa and Gulf countries to develop new gas supplies.
Together we need to instill a sense that there is something that can be done together right now – that we can survive defeat to fight again.
European leaders may have failed to take meaningful action on the climate crisis, but these major climate wins show us that people power was stronger than ever.
The first ministerial meeting since COP26 is taking place this week in Copenhagen, coming after the two latest IPCC reports reiterated the urgent need to stop burning fossil fuels and transition to a renewable energy powered future. Here, we look towards COP27 and what’s at stake for the climate in 2022.