JNM is a Belgian youth movement for nature and environment, counting 3000 members aged 7 to 26. On a regular summer's day we are busy studying bugs or watching birds in the great outdoors, but when we feel we need to, we definitely gather for environmental issues too! Climate change could possibly be the biggest environmental challenge of all time, and the climate summit in Paris is going to be the most important climate protest we ever had. Of course we will be there, and obviously we will make the journey by anything but car or plane – think bikes, boats, and our very own carriage in an (already legendary) climate train: the Climate Express.

'Climate Express' is also the name of a non-profit organisation that dawned two years ago after the previous European summit: the COP in Warsaw. Back then, a bunch of Belgian environmental organisations took the train to Warsaw and back, making us the biggest presence in the (not so large) summit. However, going there on our very own train was a unique experience that didn't just spark interest in joining, but also got organisations and people closer to each other during the event. In the aftermath of the COP, the enthusiasm crystalized into what is now Climate Express, working towards one clear and ambitious aim: getting 10.000 Belgians to Paris for the COP21. Yes, the train must go on!

All aboard

How do we prepare for this adventure? In the beginning of the year, 'JNM Express' was born. As an offshoot of our environmental workgroup, this special team is engaged in getting as much people on the train to Paris as possible. Sure we will not be the only environmental organisation on the train. We'll be in good company with all kind of other groups and individuals. Still, we believe our role as a part of the train is unique. On one hand we are engaged in big environmental issues. On the other we are a real youth movement, gathering locally on a regular basis to experience and enjoy nature together in a non-political way. As such we can act as a bridge towards the other local youth movements like Scouting, who have a multitude of the members we have, but might not have the spark yet to join a project like Climate Express. Unless we'll bring that spark! This summer, we'll visit them on their big gatherings, and challenge them to bring more train passengers than us. Let's hope they can!

Of course, all this networking would be in vain if we didn't bring a huge group of our own! Even though many of our members are interested in the topic, to actually buy a ticket and join the protests in Paris can still be a big step. Therefore, JNM Express is doing its best to get everyone convinced. An early information night succeeded in reaching a decent group of motivated people and got the ball rolling. Now, we already published some articles in our national magazine and we'll have an important part in our national congress this summer, which is directly concerned with the forthcoming climate summit. Soon, nearly every member will have heard about the Climate Express, and we can only hope they'll all convince their friends to go with us. Yet a final hurdle to climb might be the financial one. Renting a train or providing 600 cyclists with food and shelter on their way to Paris comes at a price, and people might find this a barrier. With a fundraising party, we'll try to lighten the burden. As such, people can also feel more invested in the project (and make ambitious plans high on alcohol). Definitely a win-win!

And you?

Wherever you live or whatever is your link to nature, the decisions in Paris will affect us all. Don't hesitate, and go with us. On November 29, we'll flood the streets of Paris. Living close to Belgium? Board the train! Living further away? We'll see you in Paris!

And if any of you might be thinking the same, maybe organising something similar in your own country, don't hesitate to contact us with questions or your own tips and tricks. We'll be more than glad to hear from you!

More information on Climate Express on their website: http://www.climate-express.be/en/
More information on JNM Express on our page: http://www.jnm.be/?pag=4196&a=49 (sorry, Dutch only) or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.