Interview with Jean Francois Julliard
Jean Francois Julliard of Greenpeace France tells DW climate road trippers how citizens are pushing climate action forward and expectations for politicians ahead of the climate conference in Paris.
What do you demand from negotiators at the upcoming UN climate conference?
"We don't expect a lot from the UN negotiations. We don't believe the solutions to save us from climate change will come from the heads of governments. But we do want to use this opportunity to convince as many people as possible that the only solution is for the whole world to switch to a 100-percent renewable energy system, by 2050 at the latest. It's the only solution to tackle climate change."
How do you want to achieve this energy switch?
"We are going to be part of the big march on November 29 in Paris, and we will communicate to ensure that everyone is focused on this 100 percent renewable energy message. We are going to lobby political leaders and economic actors, and we are going to tell positive stories of people who have already switched to this new system."
Why is it important to tell positive stories of climate heroes?
"We've tried to show the negative aspect of climate change for years and it didn't work well because people want have some hope. We have to communicate good stories because there are ways to tackle climate change. You can be just an ordinary citizen somewhere in a village and contribute to something very positive for the climate. And many people are already doing that."
So what can the average citizen do to make a difference?
"First, you can save energy. There is a lot of energy that can be saved. Then, we can turn to 100 percent renewable energy providers. And if you have money, you can invest in renewable energy systems. You can ask your bank to invest in renewable energy systems, and you can switch banks if they won't do it. There are many ways to be involved in these issues."
Greenpeace goes to extreme lengths to raise awareness but is it necessary to climb an oil rig?
"We are going to use many ways to raise awareness, and if we have disobey to do it, then we will. Because this is more important than anything else. We have to find different, new ways to mobilize people on climate change. We have to move forward. We have to find new ways to engage with people. And people have to find a way to engage themselves."
How important is it to also get politicians on board?
"It is still important to get politicians on board because they have the capacity to strengthen this climate movement. And they have to do it. But we are not going to ask Francois Holland, or Angela Merkel or Barack Obama, to save the world. So the political leaders have to understand that the climate movement is already moving forward, and they have to support it."
For people who are still not interested in climate change: Why should they care?
"There are already people suffering as a result of climate change. Everyone has to be concerned, and everyone has to do something. Plus, renewable energy is not only a good thing for climate change, it's also a good thing to fight energy inequality, and the best way to ensure that everyone has access to proper, clean electricity all over the world."
What if we don't take action?
"Climate change is destroying our planet and that's more important than anything.We have no choice: We have to change the way we live, the way we move, the way we work, the way we feed ourselves. We have to change the way we consume products. Because if we don't do something soon, there are going to be a lot of disasters in the next 10 or 15 years."