Mothers from 44 countries petitioned COP26 to end use of fossil fuels.
(Photo Courtesy: Bhavreen Kandhari)
Video Producer: Debayan Dutta
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Protests at COP26 have come in all forms, but perhaps the most powerful and impactful have been the images of mothers and their young kids, some even babies, taking to the streets of Glasgow demanding a safer future for their children.
Leading from India was 'Warrior Mom' Bhavreen Kandhari. She's been a passionate advocate against air pollution back home, and she has joined mothers from across the world to demand world leaders act on their promises.
Bhavreen attending a session at COP26
Air pollution's impact on children has been well documented. About 93 percent of children worldwide breathe toxic air. The activists believe that air pollution is one of the most significant crisis facing children, and it is directly linked to fossil fuel burning.
For years they have demanded better protection for marginalised children from the Global South who face a bigger burden of air pollution with little protection.
Among the mothers is also Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, a clean air activist from the United Kingdom (UK). Her nine-year-old daughter Ella became the face of the movement when her death was declared the first air pollution death in the world.
"We believe that governments have a duty towards their citizens and they must look after the health of their people. Especially the poor people in countries all over the world. This is about them. We have come here to represent ordinary people," said Rosamund, adding,
Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, a UK-based climate activist, lost her daughter to air pollution.
A total of 488 parent groups from across 44 countries, including India, Brazil, Britain, Nigeria, and South Africa submitted a petition to COP26 president Alok Sharma, where they called on world leaders to limit air pollution and end financing of fossil fuels. This movement is thought to be the biggest parent mobilisation on any issue in history.
Mothers protest at COP26
The mothers have no intention of give up: They plan to land at COP every year and demand action.
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