Schools to be occupied in Lisbon, Coimbra, Faro and Setúbal
A new wave of occupations of schools and universities calling for an end to fossil fuels is scheduled for April 26 in Lisbon, Coimbra, Faro and Setúbal, the Student Climate Strike Lisbon announced on Monday.
After having occupied six schools and universities in November, which resulted in the conviction of four students for the crime of disobedience, the “Fim Ao Fóssil: Ocupa!” (End to Fossil Fuels: Occupy!) movement said that students across the country are “counting down” to a new wave of occupations.
According to a statement released today, this new wave of occupations aims to ensure that the movement’s demands are heard and to alert society to the urgency of halting climate change.
Besides the end of fossil fuels by 2030, the movement also demands 100% renewable and affordable electricity for all families by 2025.
According to the statement, the schools previously occupied, such as the Camões High School and the faculties of Arts and Sciences of the University of Lisbon, have now been joined by Lisbon schools and universities, such as the Rainha D. Leonor school and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Psychology of the University of Lisbon, as well as schools in Coimbra, Faro and Setúbal.
The Movement has warned that students will occupy schools and universities until 1,500 people publicly commit to taking part in a mass protest at the Sines gas port on May 13, organised by the Stop the Gas platform.
The commitment, which already has over 50 signatories, is the movement’s way of calling for society to take action against climate collapse and the fossil industry.
The students have also challenged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to sign the pledge.
“This time, we will occupy more schools and be more disruptive than in the autumn. We need disruption to stop the destruction,” said Teresa Núncio, spokesperson for the “End Fossil: Occupy” movement.
Source: Lusa
