University Students Launch Climate Strike to Challenge Unsustainable Growth in Czech Republic

This week, several thousand university students in the Czech Republic are set to embark on a strike, drawing attention to the urgent climate crisis and advocating for a reevaluation of the country’s economic model, which they argue is unsustainable due to its reliance on endless growth. Organizers, led by Jan Voves from Universities for Climate, conveyed their intent to spark a national debate on the viability of the current system, asserting that it negatively impacts both the climate and people’s lives. They advocate for exploring more democratic, sustainable, and just alternatives.

The strike, aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis, seeks the passage of a climate law to secure the continuity of Czech climate policy. Additionally, the protesters are calling for the establishment of citizens’ assemblies and a shift from measuring the economy solely by gross domestic product (GDP). They contend that GDP is an outdated metric that fails to consider the planet’s limits, the fulfillment of basic human needs, and equitable wealth distribution in society.

Tereza Martinovska, a representative from Universities for Climate, emphasized the severity of the climate crisis, citing last year’s heat waves in Europe that resulted in the deaths of 60,000 people. The protesters argue that urgent action is required to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

The strike is scheduled to culminate in a parade through Prague and other cities on November 17, coinciding with the Czech Republic’s commemoration of the Velvet Revolution. Organizers intend to channel the spirit of the Velvet Revolution’s unmet demands, including decent housing for young families, environmental protection, and affordable healthcare.

Participating in the strike are 21 faculties from nine universities in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, Hradec Kralove, and Pardubice. During the strike, students will abstain from attending classes and instead engage in lectures, workshops, and debates within their faculties. Some students plan to camp overnight in certain faculties, symbolizing their commitment to drawing attention to the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.

Universities for Climate, established in 2019 in response to the Fridays for Future initiative sparked by Greta Thunberg, has previously organized climate strikes in 2019 and 2022. This latest strike underscores the continued dedication of Czech university students to advocate for meaningful climate action and a reevaluation of societal priorities.

Article by Prague Forum

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