As the climate crisis wreaks havoc across the continent and beyond, fossil fuel companies are set to announce their quarterly billion-dollar profits, made at the expense of people and the planet.
In view of this, environment watchdog 350.org is joining forces with frontline communities and grassroots groups across the world from November 3 to 4, 2023, to hold widespread actions to rally political will around a global renewable energy revolution and call for the fossil fuel industry to pay up for its role in the crisis.
The actions will take place as part of an initiative by 350.org dubbed “Power Up”, which demands that governments across the globe shift money away from polluting fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and channel substantial investments to powering up a safe, just and sustainable future built on people-centred renewables.
Over 150 actions will be held across the globe, with 23 of them to be held in 11 countries across Africa.
Lamu, Kenya, the site of a proposed coal-fired power plant and home to a UNESCO world heritage site, will host a creative cultural display and sail dhow races to draw attention to calls to the government to power up renewable energy and ensure the complete cancellation of the proposed plant and other fossil fuel prospects in Kenya.
Community representatives from the coal mining blocks in Mui basin in Kitui, also in Kenya, will hold a procession to deliver a coal “death” certificate to the Office of the Governor of Kitui to urge him to join CSOs in the call for a coal-free Kitui.
In Sasolburg, South Africa, Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance will lead a parade combined with a festival and mini exhibition juxtaposing the threat of fossil fuels with the possibility of renewable energy outside the Sasol (South African fossil energy company) plant.
In Cape Town, South Africa, Green Connection, 350.org and their partners and supporters will meet and picket in front of parliament with banners and signs echoing their message that Total must stop fossil fuel exploration and exploitation, and that the government must make Total and other fossil fuel companies pay for their role in the climate crisis.
Cotonou, Benin, will host a renewable energy-powered festival incorporating art and activism, to create a visually captivating and engaging experience with a clear call to power up renewable energy.
Kinshasa and Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will feature protests against the auctioning of oil and gas blocks in the country.
In Accra, Ghana, campaigners will gather at solar streetlamp installation in Ekumfi, the site of a proposed coal power plant whose construction was canceled, accompanied by regional actions in other parts of the country, calling on the national government to implement its renewable energy plans.
Ogoni, Nigeria, is venue of a Niger delta community meeting (baraza) urging Shell to pay its dues and restore dignity to the communities affected by the Ogoni oil spill. The event will also include a solar installation exercise showcasing the possibilities presented by renewable energy.
Activists in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, will march to the Federal Ministry of Energy in solidarity with the Ogoni community aimed at urging the government to tax Shell to ensure the firm pays its dues and restores dignity to the communities affected by the Ogoni Oil spill.
More “Power Up” actions will also hold in Tanzania, Uganda, Togo, Cameroon and Senegal.
