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Breakfree action “End fossil finance build just transition” in Geneva, Switzerland - decision

Filing Year For Action

In October 2021, three Breakfree activists received a large fine (2300 CHF) for using emergency flares without permission and for polluting public space in the context of an authorized demonstration at the Place des Nations in Geneva. On appeal by two of the activists against the penal order, the court of first instance reduced the fine to CHF 200 and convicted the activists for the unauthorized use of fireworks. The court dismissed the existence of a state of necessity based on recent case law (cf. “#IfRogerknew, Lausanne Action Climat Playing Tennis in the Hall of Crédit Suisse, Switzerland” case) and noted that the use of fireworks presented a threat to the public order, which was incompatible with articles 10 (freedom of expression) and 11 (freedom of assembly and association) ECHR.

Breakfree action “End fossil finance build just transition” in Geneva, Switzerland

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An aim to achieve a quantifiable outcome within a given time-frame, set by an institution such as a national government.

Policy instruments are techniques or tools used by governing authorities to promote certain policies in order to achieve predetermined goals. Put simply, instruments are how a government tries to achieve its goals, with this taxonomy being focused on national policy instruments.

Risk is the potential for adverse consequences resulting from the dynamic interplay between (climate-related) hazards, exposure, and vulnerability of affected human or ecological systems.

Groups  of people who are adversely affected by climate change or the response to it

A set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy.

Renewable energy means all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner.

Fossil fuel is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, fossil gas, and oil (including crude oil, and petroleum products), that can be used for electricity and heat generation. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from pressurised and heated organic material buried over millions of years.

Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface.

Area of the economy in which actors engage in identical or related activities.

In human systems, the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects, in order to moderate harm, increase resilience or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, the process of adjustment to actual climate change and its effects; human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate change and its effects.

The management and allocation of funds, assets and investments to meet various objectives

Air pollution involves harmful contaminants in the air, affecting both indoor and outdoor environments. It can lead to health issues like respiratory diseases and heart problems, and climate impacts such as global warming. Pollutants can damage plants, trees, habitats, and water bodies like rivers and lakes.

This sector involves the wholesale and retail selling of goods.

Any compulsory, unrequited payment to the government levied on corporations or individuals. This can be for environmental reasons, such as introducing a Carbon tax to set a price that emitters must pay for the greenhouse gases they emit.

Slow onset events evolve gradually from incremental changes over many years or from increased frequency or intensity of recurring events. As defined in the Cancun Adaptation Framework (2010), slow onset events include risks and impacts from rising temperatures, desertification, biodiversity loss, land and forest degradation, glacial retreat, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and salinization.

Oil is a combustible liquid fossil fuel composed mainly of hydrocarbons, occurring as crude oil and refined into petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.

Either money or something of monetary value is transferred between two or more organisations, people or countries.

Activities of businesses and institutions that provide financial services and products to individuals and organisations.

Fossil gas, commonly known as natural gas, is a fossil fuel consisting chiefly of methane with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and trace gases, found in underground deposits.

Breakfree action “End fossil finance build just transition” in Geneva, Switzerland - decision

Policy instrument

Risk

Impacted group

Just transition

Fossil fuel

Economic sector

Finance