On Friday, the 11th global climate strike will take place with demonstrations planned in Vienna, Graz, Linz, and six other cities across Austria. The main reason for the protest is the lack of a climate protection law in Austria. The “Stop climate blockers – everyone on the streets” protests are being organized by Fridays for Future, a youth-led movement that aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for action on climate change.
The last few months have seen an increase in disruptive actions by young people who call themselves the “last generation.” The Fridays for Future movement is now returning to the streets to demand that governments take action to protect the environment and address the climate crisis. The group is united by their goal of creating a climate-friendly world, regardless of whether they complain, strike, or stick together.
“We want to show the government that they have to act now. We can’t wait any longer. The climate crisis is real and it’s happening right now. We need to act fast before it’s too late,” says Klara König, a spokesperson for Fridays for Future.
The Vienna protest will start at Maria-Theresien-Platz at 12 noon, with demonstrators expected to gather from 11:30 am. The protest will include a demo train route that goes from the Ring via Rathausplatz, the ÖVP headquarters in Lichtenfelsgasse, Felderstrasse, and Löwelstrasse to Ballhausplatz. The final rally will take place in front of the Federal Chancellery from 2 p.m.
Various speeches and live music will accompany the protests, and thousands of people are expected to participate. The last global climate strike in Austria took place on September 23, 2022, with 20,000 people nationwide, 12,000 of whom were in Vienna. Fridays for Future is optimistic that they will see similar numbers this time around.
“The government needs to take responsibility for the environment and take action to protect it. We are demanding that they create a climate protection law that sets a clear goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” says König.
The protests are expected to cause traffic disruptions in the city center, with the ÖAMTC advising people to use public transport or avoid the area altogether. The Vienna Police Department has also issued a statement urging people to remain peaceful and to follow all COVID-19 regulations.
The climate crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet today. With rising temperatures, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and the destruction of ecosystems, it is more crucial than ever that we take action to protect the environment. Fridays for Future is one of many movements around the world that are working to raise awareness about the urgent need for action on climate change.
In Austria, the lack of a climate protection law has been a significant source of frustration for environmental activists. The country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36% by 2030, but experts warn that this target is not ambitious enough to prevent catastrophic climate change.
The global climate strike movement, which started in 2019, has been successful in raising awareness about the issue of climate change and pressuring governments to take action. It has inspired millions of people around the world to take part in demonstrations and other activities to show their support for climate action.
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is clear that urgent action is needed. The global climate strike on Friday is an opportunity for people to come together and demand that governments take the necessary steps to protect our planet for future generations.