Dear European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament David Sassoli,
We, Parents For Future in Europe, supported by parents from all over the world, believe that, at this historical moment where democracy and internationalism are at threat, the EU institutions are uniquely positioned to take global leadership on implementing a courageous and decisive strategy for the climate and ecological transition.
Parents For Future is a grassroots global network of parent-climate activists inspired by the Fridays For Future movement. The climate crisis is an issue of intergenerational justice and we collaborate closely with youth climate activists, supporting their demands. Driven by the common concern for the wellbeing of our children and future generations, we envision a healthy planet where all communities live in harmony with each other and nature. This parental voice needs to be heard in international policy fora.
Our children and future generations are facing an uncertain future due to the climate crisis and accelerating biodiversity loss. The COVID 19 crisis has exposed the dangerous fragility of global socio-economic systems, particularly in the context of a rapidly depleting ecosphere. Our socio-economic system must take a leap forward towards resiliency and sustainability.
We are keenly aware that the EU is about to spend significant public financial resources that will become the debt of our children and that this burden is added to the unspeakably massive environmental debt we leave them. We believe that how the money is spent is key, it should represent an investment rather than another cost to our children’s future.
As the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed, the €750 billion Recovery Fund and all other stimulus-coordinated efforts represent a singular opportunity for a new development path. We recall that the UN Agenda 2030 makes it clear that institutions are one of the core foundations for sustainability and equity.
We appeal to you to consider the fundamental role you play in our children’s future. A visionary green Recovery Fund will send a clear policy signal not only to European but Global markets. As the world’s second largest market, the European Union is not only in a unique position to take Global Leadership but has a moral imperative to do so.
We request the European Parliament, our elected representatives, to advocate that the European Council adopts courageous, transformative policy guidelines for the Recovery Funding instruments being ratified. Such leadership needs to be expressed through unity of intent, and true independent, future oriented political vision, taking into full consideration the voice that our youth has expressed in the climate movement for nearly two years. We believe that global leadership supporting equitable and sustainable development is possible and is a responsibility the EU institutions have to their citizens.
We are at a crossroads and the road you choose will determine whether or not our children will enjoy a quality of life when life itself is at stake.
Europe, 2020-06-12
