A spectacular scene is taking place on the shores of Lake Mälaren at Sigtuna, close to the capital of Sweden – Stockholm. Around 35 animals suffering from climate change, including polar bears and penguins, have arrived with a “hearts and borders” plea to the Swedish government.
Polar bears spoke about their tragic future. Climate change has made it hard for them to find a single seal for several months in a row. Having to swim up to 400 miles without stopping, in search of ice floes that have not melted, is not uncommon. Some polar bears have even had to eat their cubs.
These victimized animals criticize human beings for putting the ecological system on Earth out of balance. They also warn about the global CO2 in the atmosphere already having risen above 400ppm, and that humankind is always just “talking” and not taking necessary actions. They also question if many nations actually can achieve their INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined
The global animal refugees emphasized that Sweden has had an open and inclusive international image for accepting refugees in the past. They had also heard about the Climate Existence Conference taking place in Sigtuna between April 6 and April 8, especially focused on questions of human lifestyles, worldviews and relationships with the more-than-human world, in response to climate change. The animal refugees hope to join the conversations and events at the conference this week.
Although registration for the conference has closed, the conference organizers CEMUS and The Sigtuna Foundation confirm that the animal refugees will be allowed to participate.
Humans who have missed to register can still join two open lectures with the Archbishop at the Church of Sweden and Swedish minister of International Development Cooperation:
Thursday April 7, 13.00 – 14.00 Spirituality and faith in an era of ecological unravelling
Keynote speaker: Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of Sweden
Friday April 8, 10.30 – 12.00 Existing in change – personal reflection on engagement
Keynote speaker: Isabella Lövin, Swedish Minister of International Development Cooperation
Press Contact
Malin Östman CEMUS at 070-3286917, malin.ostman@csduppsala.uu.se
Sofia Af Geijerstam, Sigtuna Foundation
www.climateexistence.se