Organized by the movements Climáximo and Greve Climática Estudantil, the protest will commence at Largo Camões (Chiado) and conclude in front of the Assembly of the Republic, where a popular assembly will discuss the future steps in the fight against fossil fuels.
Although the protest was announced to mark the end of the 30th UN climate conference (COP30), Catarina Bio, spokesperson for the organizers, stated that young people never expect concrete results from UN meetings because, as she put it, nothing ever emerges from the COPs to ensure a future for the youth.
“The UN climate meetings began before we were even born and have so far yielded no results. They are a sham. We cannot allow governments to jeopardize our future,” stated Catarina Bio.
A year ago, students from the End Fossil movement delivered a letter to the Government demanding a plan be presented by today to end the use of fossil fuels in Portugal by 2030 through a just transition.
As this has not happened, young people will protest, and according to the spokesperson, hundreds are expected to attend, with confirmed supporters from groups including teachers, healthcare professionals, parents, and cultural professionals.
“We are fighting for the future we are entitled to, for a world without fossil fuels that places people’s voices and needs at the center of decision-making. We want to live in a fair world, without fear and with well-being, on a habitable planet,” reads a statement from the protest organizers.
The organizers also consider the governments’ decision to “intensify the climate crisis” a “direct attack on people and life.”
