Code Red seeks social and systemic change. The effects of the socially unjust and climate-polluting capitalist system we live in are painfully clear. We demand change now. We cannot put this off any longer. These are our key demands:
END FOSSIL FUELS
A reduction in energy consumption on a global scale and a fast shift into renewable energy are vital to guarantee a liveable future.
AFFORDABLE ENERGY FOR ALL
Energy poverty is unacceptable. Affordable energy is a basic human right for everyone. This also entails that we strongly need to reduce the excessive energy use by major consumers.
SOCIALISE THE ENERGY SECTOR
To bring about the changes needed to tackle the climate crisis and curb price rises, we need to remove energy from the logic of the market and socialize it as a common good.
NO NEW FOSSIL FUEL PROJECTS
No to new climate bombs, such as pipelines running through East Africa or the Arctic, nor any unnecessary, polluting and destructive projects.
GOOD JOBS IN A CARBON-FREE ECONOMY
Workplaces need to install direct democracy. Unions and workers need to be closely involved to ensure a democratic and just transition. Qualitative retraining plans for employees working in polluting industries are vital to bring about a righteous transition into a circular and carbon-free economy. Moreover, we need a collective work time reduction without loss of pay (WTR) and with compensatory recruitment. This will enable us to reduce unnecessary production without destroying jobs, and to collectively regain control of our time and our lives.
RECOGNIZE HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEE DAMAGE FUNDS
Fossil fuels cause conflict, violate human rights, and maintain (neo)colonialism. We need to recognize the responsibilities of multinationals and Western countries (the Global North) within its historical context. Frontline communities are actively resisting extractive projects in their territories. We stand in solidarity with their struggles. The damage done needs to be repaired.
TAX BIG POLLUTERS AND BILLIONAIRES
To finance this transition, we need money, and we know who has it. It’s time to force the main culprits – the wealthiest and the biggest polluters – to pay their fair share, and to distribute wealth more evenly. Subsidies and grants for polluters must disappear.
INSULATE HOUSES AND BUILDINGS
Insulation lowers energy expenses and emissions of greenhouse gases, whilst also creating many new jobs. We need major investments that prioritize renovations of badly insulated houses and of those in precarious situations. The human right to adequate housing, meaning affordable and well-kept homes, must be guaranteed for all. Social housing is crucial in achieving this goal.
BETTER AND AFFORDABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Large-scale investments in public transport and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are vital to have affordable (if not free), sustainable and accessible public transport. We can make another improvement by banning car advertising campaigns and putting a stop to governmental subsidizing of company cars.