By Anders Lorenzen

As the high-profile grand slam tennis tournament Roland Garros (French Open) entered its later stages, it also became the centre point for climate action.

A climate activist from the French climate group Derniere Renovation managed to gain access to the men’s semi-final between Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud as she jumped onto the Philippe Chatrier court and glued herself to the net using metal wires.

She wore a t-shirt displaying the poignant message ‘1028 days left’, believed to be a reference to the ‘climate ground zero’ date in the latest UN climate change report, produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  With this action, the activist seemed keen to remind the audience and the viewers about how much stuff is at stake if the world continues its inaction on climate action. 

1028 days

Derniere Renovation’s website was very clear about the group’s point of view, stating  ‘1028 days is what we have left to determine the future of humanity, fewer than three years. The countdown began on March 28, 2022, the end of the ultimatum sent by Derniere Renovation to the French government, and the date on which citizens entered into civil resistance. France has been condemned by its own courts for climate inaction.

After the protest, the activist, who identified herself as Alizee, said: “We are in 2022 and it is time to look reality in the face, the world to which politicians are sending us towards is a world in which Roland Garros will not be able to exist. Today, I went on to the court because I can’t take the risk anymore of not doing anything in the face of the climate emergency.”

Organisers said that the woman, who is now in police custody, had gained access with a valid ticket. 

Derniere Renovation is believed to be affiliated with the Extinction Rebellion network which began in the UK a few years ago.