10,000 people hunger strike for climate
Last nights vigil in Øksnehallen was held for 10,000 hunger strikers (Photo: KR)Mass protest at the lack of progress at the conference
by Jason Heppenstall
Anna Keenan has dropped from 60kg to 45kg during her hunger strike for climate justice.
The 23-year-old Australian has not eaten for 42 days in protest of global inaction in dealing with climate change. She is part of the Climate Justice Fast and, of the seven original fasters, three have continued until today, now reaching their 42nd day entirely without food, and will continue until the end of COP. The other fasters have ended the fast after medical advice, and all are in good spirits.
In a hoarse but surprisingly energetic voice, Keenan said she had only consumed water, salt every few days, to keep the nervous system functioning, and on the advice of a doctor, vitamin B in the last week.
“We listen to the advice of doctors and experts. World leaders should do the same on climate change.”
She added that, “After 42 days, I’m feeling incredibly strong, healthy and empowered.
She said 10,000 people around the world were fasting for 24 hours in solidarity with the Climate Justice Fast. Author Naomi Klein, environmentalist Bill McKibben, humanitarian leader Mary Robinson and Indian activist Vandana Shiva among those fasting.
Climate Justice Fact released as statement yesterday evening stating: “We, the participants of Climate Justice Fast!, are undertaking our international hunger strike in order to call upon world leaders – and all people, everywhere – to act with courage and good faith for our common, global good, by implementing the most rapid possible transition to stabilise atmospheric greenhouse gases below 350ppm CO2, and by committing to deliver justice for the global poor and future generations – who are the least responsible for causing climate change, yet who suffer the most from its effects.”
