UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

A judge in London ruled that a climate activist should not be prosecuted for holding a placard outside a criminal court telling jurors they could acquit defendants according to their conscience. Judge Pushpinder Saini dismissed the case, stating that criminal prosecution was a disproportionate approach that interfered with the activist’s right to freedom of expression. Warner displayed the sign to inform jurors of their rights and to challenge judges who she believed were acting unlawfully. The attempted prosecution of Warner is part of a wider crackdown on protest movements in Britain and Europe, particularly in relation to environmental activism and climate change protests.

Youth and climate advocacy: opportunities and action!

Youth and climate advocacy: opportunities and action!

Climate change significantly impacts the world’s youth, affecting their health, education, and economic opportunities. A 2018 poll by the Cyprus Institute of Statisticians revealed that 63.2% of young people aged 18 to 35 intend to abstain from general elections in Cyprus, indicating a lack of interest in participating in decision-making. Challenges for youth involvement in climate activism include lack of time, social and political suppression, lack of supportive structures, and lack of representation. However, opportunities exist through grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and collective action. The EU promotes youth participation in climate initiatives. Friends of the Earth Cyprus aims to involve youth in climate activism through European-funded projects like GreenViDialogue and Embrace the World project.

Police remove Greta Thunberg from blocking Swedish parliament

Police remove Greta Thunberg from blocking Swedish parliament

Swedish police forcibly removed Greta Thunberg and other climate activists from blocking the entrance to the Swedish parliament on a Tuesday. The activists were protesting for the second consecutive day against climate change and political inaction. Thunberg, 21, known for initiating a global youth movement for climate action starting in 2018, has been detained or removed from protests in Sweden, Norway, and Germany in the past year. A British court recently acquitted her of a public order offence related to a protest in London.