Their message was clear: wealthy nations must take responsibility for their historical actions and prioritize climate finance over military spending
Youth activists from around the world have demanded a fundamental shift in climate policy, and highlighted how militarization and colonial legacies continue to exacerbate the climate crisis, particularly in the Global South.
Their message was clear: wealthy nations must take responsibility for their historical actions and prioritize climate finance over military spending.
The remarks came on November 15 at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan as they gathered there to protest over the growing climate change issues.
Organized by the Alliance of Non-Governmental Radical Youth (ANGRY), the demonstration focused on calling for an end to wars, oppressive debt, and ineffective climate solutions.
The protesters emphasised that “ending militarization and war is non-negotiable.” They argued that the wealthiest countries must confront their colonial past and increase reparations to climate-vulnerable nations.
They pointed out that global military spending reached a staggering $2.44 trillion in 2023, with the largest contributions coming from countries that also emit the highest levels of carbon, such as the United States, China, and Russia.
The protesters stressed that while these nations continue to invest heavily in military expenditures, they are failing to meet their pledge of $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries. Moreover, they highlighted that military operations account for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions—an issue often omitted from climate agreements.
Leaders from around the globe voiced their concerns during the protest. Ugandan climate activist Patience Nabukalu, representing Fridays For Future, pointed out that Africa, which contributes only around 4% of global emissions, bears the disproportionate brunt of the climate crisis fueled by the Global North. She called for an immediate halt to fossil fuel expansion in the biggest emitting countries to stop further injustice.
From Palestine, Jana Rashed of Climate Sirens SWANA stressed that climate justice is not just about reducing emissions but addressing the deep-rooted historical injustices of colonialism.
“Colonialism was built on resource extraction, and we still see these patterns in today’s fossil fuel industry. True climate justice must confront this history,” she stated.
Similarly, Nigel Maduro of Land Back Aruba in the Caribbean described climate change as a direct legacy of colonialism. “At COP29, we must address the ongoing impact of colonialism on the environment,” he said.
Alab Mirasol Ayroso from the Philippines, representing ANGRY, highlighted the devastating environmental impacts of war, noting that militarism is a significant driver of climate breakdown. “Conflicts destroy ecosystems, contaminate water, soil, and air, and contribute 5.5% of global greenhouse gases. Yet, military emissions are rarely addressed in climate negotiations,” she pointed out.
Sohanur Rahman of YouthNet Global in Bangladesh expressed the frustration of young people in climate-vulnerable nations. “We’re tired of empty promises. Climate action cannot ignore the harms of war and militarization. Our communities are already bearing the brunt of climate change—it’s time the world prioritizes peace and real solutions over profit and power,” he said.
German climate activist Line Niedeggen warned of the escalating financial toll of the climate crisis, noting that the cost of adaptation and transition could exceed $5 trillion by 2030. She stressed that these financial figures go beyond economics and represent the profound losses in lives, lands, cultures, and identities due to climate change.
The protest at COP29 underscored the growing movement among youth worldwide demanding a shift from militarization to social and environmental justice. Activists made it clear that the climate crisis cannot be solved without addressing the deep-rooted issues of war, colonialism, and financial inequity that continue to burden the most vulnerable communities.
