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What are some of the most successful instances of climate and environmental activism in recent history?

Lisa Feldberger

In recent history, there have been several successful instances of climate and environmental activism that have made a significant impact on global efforts to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change. One of the most well-known examples is the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015 by almost all countries in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement also includes commitments for countries to regularly report on their greenhouse gas emissions and progress toward their emissions-reduction targets.

Another successful instance of climate activism is the divestment movement, which aims to persuade institutions such as universities, churches, and pension funds to divest from fossil fuels. The movement started in the United States in 2011 and has since spread to other countries. According to a report by Arabella Advisors, as of 2020, over 1,300 institutions and 58,000 individuals had committed to divest more than $14 trillion from fossil fuels.

In addition to the Paris Agreement and the divestment movement, there have been successful campaigns targeting specific issues such as deforestation and plastic pollution. For example, the Greenpeace campaign against Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) helped secure commitments from APP to stop clearing natural forests and to protect peatlands, as well as to adopt a zero-deforestation policy. Similarly, the global campaign against single-use plastics has resulted in bans and restrictions on plastic bags, straws, and other items in many countries and cities around the world.

Finally, youth-led movements such as Fridays for Future and the Sunrise Movement have also been successful in raising awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change and pressuring governments and corporations to take action. These movements have organized protests, school strikes, and other events that have mobilized millions of young people around the world.

In conclusion, there have been several successful instances of climate and environmental activism in recent history, including the Paris Agreement, the divestment movement, campaigns targeting specific issues such as deforestation and plastic pollution, and youth-led movements. While there is still much work to be done to address the challenges of climate change, these successes provide hope and inspiration for continued action.