On September 21 the world witnessed the biggest Climate March in history. According to its organizers, more than 2600 events took place in 162 countries all over the world. Naturefriends organizations joined the masses and participated in different marches. Together with Youth and Environment Europe, IYNF took to the streets of Prague, and EVS volunteer Ruth represented us at the march in Dublin. At the same time, our Greek friends marched in Athens, showing the variety of issues that motivated protesters all over the world on their posters.

From climate justice to seed freedom and opposition to the controversial TTIP agreement, the climate march brought together a variety of interests and individuals, uniting them around one central  demand: a more responsible handling of Mother Nature and the resources she offers. In New York City alone, where the Climate Summit took place two days after, an estimated number of 400,000 people were marching in this spirit. These impressive dimensions are the first remarkable outcome of the summit.

All over the world more people than ever before let their voice heard, showing that there is a widespread, enthusiastic movement that urges public, private and civic actors to increase efforts to stop climate change and its adverse effects for the weakest members of our global society.

The actual Summit delivered less persuasive outcomes. New commitments were made, and new plans schemed. Nearly 40 big multinationals joined more than 100 other public and private partners to step up ambitions for slowing down, and eventually half deforestation globally by 2030. Further, the Summit witnessed pledges of the world’s richest nations to increase their contributions to the Green Climate Fund, a mechanism for transferring money from the developed to the developing world in order to help adapting to and mitigating climate change. A more concise list of commitments can be found online. Yet, there are no binding agreements and consequences in case of not complying with the ambitious goals. It remains to be seen in how far the political momentum will be transformed into concrete and binding actions at the COP21 in Paris next year.