Activists, including Greengrants’ grantee, Climáximo, have spent years resisting fossil fuel extraction in Portugal, leading efforts that resulted in the recent cancellations. Climáximo stated that this success is a powerful example of how protest and grassroots action can be effective tools for change.
In 2019, in partnership with 350.org, Global Greengrants Fund awarded Climáximo $15,800 in support of the Climate Jobs Campaign, an initiative that unites labor unions and the climate justice movement to build a plan for a just transition away from fossil fuels. A just transition is the idea that a healthy environment and healthy economy should coexist, and that the shift from extractive to regenerative systems needs to include all people.
This money helped Climáximo hire campaign staff and cover operational costs, allowing the group to produce podcasts and informational videos to bolster the campaign message, as well as build strong new relationships and alliances, which led to five new organizations joining the campaign.
Additionally, support from Global Greengrants Fund helped the group advocate for national electric buses, forest protection, and one paid working day a week dedicated to professional training for workers in polluting industries. Climáximo also held its first protest in January of this year, as part of an international climate action week, to demand public financing for just transition in Portugal.
Portugal is now fossil fuel-free, as far as extraction goes, proving that grassroots resistance is an important catalyst of systemic change. It’s important to note that even in spite of the current COVID-19 pandemic, victories like these are coming to the forefront as a result of years of effort from the grassroots level.
Photo credit: Climáximo