Climate Justice Movements

Youth Climate Uprising

The 2018-2019 youth climate strikes marked a new phase in French environmental activism. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, hundreds of thousands of students walked out of classes demanding climate action. But French youth brought distinctive perspectives shaped by national contexts.

Youth for Climate France explicitly connected climate to social justice, refusing what they called "ecological transition without social transition." They allied with gilets jaunes protesters, recognizing shared concerns about inequality. Banlieue youth brought environmental racism perspectives. Overseas territory students highlighted climate impacts on island communities.

The movement's diversity challenged adult environmental organizations. Youth rejected hierarchical structures, practicing horizontal organizing. They criticized "greenwashing" and insufficient ambition from established groups. This generational tension, while sometimes difficult, pushed broader movements toward more radical positions.

Direct Action for Climate

Groups like ANV-COP21 (Non-Violent Action COP21) have pioneered creative direct action for climate justice. Their tactics include "requisitioning" corporate portraits from city halls to demand climate accountability and blocking bank entrances to protest fossil fuel financing.

These actions deliberately court arrest to generate media attention and legal precedent. The "necessity defense"—arguing that climate breakdown justifies civil disobedience—has gained traction in French courts. Some judges have acquitted activists, recognizing climate emergency as legitimate motivation for illegal protest.