WB: World Climate Strike Celebrated with Enthusiasm in Schools Across the State

Kolkata: The Taki, Hingalgunj, Hasnabad area of the state of West Bengal, nestled near the Sundarbans, is considered a stronghold for the state's science movement. On the day of the climate strike, over 20 schools in the area, along with their students and teachers, gathered outside the school gates to form human chains in support of the climate strike. Approximately 8,000 students, teachers, common people, and science activists participated in the event with great enthusiasm.

Additionally, students from schools across the state of West Bengal joined the World Climate Strike organised by Greta Thunberg.

The Paschim Banga Vigyan Manch (PBVM), the largest science organisation in the state, led the strike in West Bengal, collaborating with like-minded organisations. It is worth noting that in 2018, Greta Thunberg, a fifth-grade student, initiated a protest outside the Swedish parliament, drawing attention to the impacts of climate change every Friday. This led to the coining of the term "Fridays for Future."

Thunberg’s call urged world leaders to take action against the heatwave generated by climate change globally. Her school strike for climate has transcended Sweden's borders and is now observed worldwide on September 15.

In India, various science activists encouraged students in different states to temporarily leave their classrooms and show solidarity with the movement.

PBVM added specific demands to this year's climate strike, which saw the participation of approximately 350 schools throughout the state. These demands are outlined in a 12-point charter:

1. Emphasis on green energy over coal energy.

2. Reduction of CO2 emissions by wealthy nations.

3. Compensation for climate refugees.

4. Establishment of a $100 billion green climate fund contributed by affluent countries.

5. Compensation for those affected by climate change.

6. Development of a comprehensive preservation plan for the Sundarbans' unique habitat.

7. Similar preservation efforts for the biodiversity hotspot of Darjeeling Terai and Dooars.

8. Prevention of deforestation in the name of development in the Dooars.

9. Activation of the elephant corridor in the Dooars.

10. Cancellation of the Deucha Pachami coal extraction project.

11. Prevention of tree cutting and marshy landfilling in the name of development.

12. Ensuring the pollution-free status of the state's main rivers, along with halting illegal sand mining and stone extraction from riverbeds. Additionally, no changes should be made to the country's environmental and forest acts in the name of development.

Human chains were formed to support these demands, and dharna (protest) programs were conducted throughout the state on Friday.