The climate crisis is about actual lives, not just about numbers and statistics.
Taking to the Streets
One of the easiest ways to ensure our voices are heard is by taking to the streets.
The Climate Justice for Rosa campaign was launched during a climate march in Brussels in October 2021, just a few months after Rosa’s death. Since then, we have participated in numerous marches across Belgium and abroad, proudly wearing red and carrying our impactful banner: "Politicians die of old age, Rosa died of climate change."
Do you want to join us at the next climate march or protest, or are you organizing one yourself and would you like us to participate? Contact us!
15 July
European and Belgian Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis
Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards solving it. The climate crisis claims lives across the globe, yet these victims often go unrecognized and uncommemorated. As David Van Reybrouck aptly puts it, "It is difficult to commemorate when you are partly responsible."
In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods of 2021, which claimed 220 lives in Belgium and Germany, Benjamin and Rosa’s family conceived the idea of establishing an official day of remembrance for the victims of the global climate crisis. The first person Benjamin contacted was EU Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans. They chose 15 July, the anniversary of the tragic floods, as the date for the remembrance day.
Thanks to Benjamin’s tireless advocacy, the European Commission, Parliament, and Council officially designated 15 July as the “EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis” in July 2023, and the Belgian federal parliament followed the European example in May 2024.
Climate Justice for Rosa is now pushing to have this remembrance day recognized by the UN. Stay tuned!
Advocacy
Benjamin, a prize-winning public speaker, has made a significant impact at events organized by the European Union, the UNFCCC, the Belgian federal parliament, and the Flemish parliament.
Benjamin's advocacy doesn't stop at governmental platforms. He is frequently invited by various organizations in Belgium and abroad to discuss climate justice, youth activism, and children's rights. Additionally, Benjamin is often asked to write opinion pieces for newspapers, further extending his reach and influence. His ability to connect with diverse audiences—from international policymakers to grassroots activists and audiences of all ages—ensures that the message of Climate Justice for Rosa resonates widely and deeply. Benjamin not only hopes to honour Rosa’s legacy but also to empower others to join the fight for a sustainable and just future.
Would you like Benjamin to speak at your event or in your school or organization? Get in touch!
Children's Rights
The climate crisis is a children's rights crisis. Climate Justice for Rosa recognizes that the children of today and tomorrow are most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. We are dedicated to spreading this message by giving a platform to young activists from around the world who are directly affected by climate change. We firmly believe it is crucial to convey that at the end of the day the climate crisis is not about abstract numbers and statistics, but about real people—people like you and us, and people like Rosa. Through our advocacy, we highlight the human stories behind the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect the rights and futures of children worldwide.
United Nations Climate Change Conferences
The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the primary decision-making forum under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a global treaty ratified by 197 nations to combat climate change.
Since 1995, world leaders have gathered annually to develop and negotiate international climate policies, resulting in significant agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Each year, COP also attracts representatives from civil society, business, and academia, who engage in discussions, observe proceedings, and organize side events to influence policymakers and promote climate action.
Benjamin attended COP27 and COP28, advocating for Climate Justice for Rosa at the highest levels. During COP28, he was invited to speak at a dozen events, including a high-level EU session. Additionally, Climate Justice for Rosa organized a side event of its own, "The Power of Resilient Youth Worldwide: Stories and Inspiration from the Climate Crisis Front-Line Fighters," featuring young activists from Tuvalu, Bangladesh, and Kenya sharing their impactful stories.
Climate Justice for Rosa plans to be present at COP29 to encourage world leaders to take drastic climate measures and to make sure that the voices of young people directly impacted by the climate crisis are heard at the highest level.