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It's getting hot huh? This week, in many parts of Europe, temperatures will reach or exceed 40°C. This is an unprecedented week-long heatwave across continental Europe - and climate scientists say it is likely to become more frequent if we don’t limit global temperatures. [1]
That's why we need you. Next week, the just-elected European parliamentarians (MEPs) will agree, or not, to the appointment of the new EU top leader: the President of the EU Commission. Over the next 5 years, they will be the most powerful person in the body that introduces new European laws, that affect all of us.
MEPs will have a choice. Either they will agree to a candidate who will protect the status quo - an economic system that destroys our planet and works for the few - or they will listen to their voters in appointing a leader who has a plan to give Europe a new direction in order to protect the planet and our well-being.
With your support and that of hundreds of thousands of members of our community, by next week, we can convince a majority of MEPs to reject any candidate who is not ready to seriously fight climate change. How? Let’s remind the MEPs who promised to take bold actions against climate change during their electoral campaigning that we expect them to elect a European leader who can live up to that promise.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that if we don’t act now, heatwaves are likely to substantially increase in frequency in Europe and worldwide. [2]
But it’s not too late. Scientists also say we can meaningfully restrict the damage of climate change by limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We already have the solutions Europe needs to achieve this. From phasing out all dirty fossil fuels to investing in a 100% renewable and green economy: these would bring tons of greens new jobs and could, at the same time, reduce massively poverty and inequality. [3]
All we need is the political will to make this change real. In a few days, our MEPs will agree, or not, to the appointment of a new President of the EU Commission. That’s why it’s vital someone truly committed to tackling climate change gets the job. Otherwise, we can say goodbye to our dreams of a Europe protecting nature and our well-being. Push MEPs to reject any candidate not serious about climate change!
The WeMove Europe community has been at the forefront of the push for a green and fair transition in Europe. Together, for instance, we’ve already taken action to help many families in Europe sue the EU for failing to act against climate change and demanding protection for our rights. And we are not giving up!
With renewed strength,
Olga (Bologna), Alex (Marseille), Virginia (Madrid) and the entire WeMove team
PS. After European Parliament elections, many progressive MEPs are ready to give priority to climate change and have sufficient seats to influence the future of Europe. We have now a good chance to get a President for the European Commission who is ready to kick off a green transition in Europe. Please sign the petition!
References:
[1] https://time.com/5614529/europe-heatwave-climate-change/
[2] https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established in 1988 to review and assess the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information. To better understand its structure, visit: https://www.ipcc.ch/about/structure/
[3] Several political movements and organisations have proposed the idea of a Green New Deal for Europe - a full-scale environmental overhaul for Europe driven by public investments. For example, DiEM25's: https://diem25.org/diem25-unveils-its-european-new-deal-an-economic-agenda-for-european-recovery
