Nearly 80 climate marches took place this Saturday, October 13, in France. In Martinique, about 100 people turned out to raise awareness of the “ecological emergency” in the streets of downtown Fort-de-France.
In a friendly atmosphere, singing and carrying signs that read “Citizens, wake up!” and “There’s still time,” they marched along the main streets of downtown. They marched down Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, the pedestrian street, and finally to Place de la Savane. Their goal was to raise public awareness about the need to take action to save the planet.
Among them is Gwenaelle, who believes that “the climate crisis affects everyone—every citizen. Today, we’ve reached a dead end; it’s time for everyone to take action! We must show that we’re committed and take action to raise awareness so that policymakers and industry leaders will also change their ways.”
In her own way, she follows a zero-waste policy, making her own household products and cosmetics… According to her, “It’s not that hard; in everyday life, it’s quick, simple, economical, and above all, completely eco-friendly. It’s just a matter of getting into the habit.”.
The protests highlighted the impacts of climate change on our lives, such as an increase in cyclones, Sargassum blooms, sandstorms, and rising sea levels…
Late in the morning, the demonstration came to a close in front of the closed doors of the Martinique Territorial Assembly (formerly the General Council). “We wanted to present three documents to the elected officials: a summary of the IPCC report for policymakers, a ”Citizen 1.5’ report produced by a collective, and a brief document on what we can do immediately in Martinique. For example, we can start by taking action to reduce vehicle pollution; policymakers have a role to play, but we must also take responsibility at the individual level,” explains Patrick Maréchal, co-organizer of the march.
Several organizations took part in this event, including Greenpeace, the Sea Turtle Network, the Trénelle Community Gardens, Graine Martinique, and the company Dénébola.
A Facebook page “Climate March in Martinique” was created to keep the momentum going.
Kaylan Fagour
https://www.facebook.com/martinique2030/videos/273391896638969/
