De Paris à Stuttgart : The beginning of the odyssey towards COP29

IN BRIEF Departure from Paris on November 1st to Stuttgart. Traveling by TGV with a special stop for COP29. Moments of life on board: families, couples, supporters. Stop in Stuttgart, meeting with an activist named Elmar. Context of the controversial project Stuttgart 21. Retrospective on past struggles for the environment.

On November 1st, the adventure begins in Paris for a long journey that will lead to the COP29 in Azerbaijan. On board the TGV connecting the French capital to Stuttgart, each traveler merges into the collective history through touching moments of life filled with humanity. This article traces the beginnings of this journey, an epic that promises to be rich in encounters and reflections on the environmental issues that fascinate and concern the current world.

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An Imminent Departure #

At 10:52 a.m., in the Gare de l’Est, the whistle of the SNCF agent announces the imminent departure. The scenes unfolding inside the train offer a contrast between daily routine and the wonder of travel. Among the passengers, a mother tries to count her children, already scattered throughout the carriage. The lightness of her tone and her humor draw the attention of the other travelers, enveloping them in a bubble of childlike conviviality.

Ephemeral Encounters #

Barely settled, two young lovers approach, seeking to sit nearby. They unwrap sandwiches under the watchful eye of their neighbors, sharing moments of complicity through a pair of headphones. They then dive into a post-apocalyptic series, illustrating the diversity of worlds cohabiting on board. The train thus becomes the witness to a thousand bouncing stories, fleeting moments captured at remarkable speed.

A Balanced Journey #

Further ahead, a waiter’s balancing skills are showcased in the small dining car. With chili con carne in hand, he demonstrates surprising agility to avoid the train’s abrupt movements. Every minute spent in this compartment is a true challenge, illustrating the staff’s efforts to maintain quality service, even in the heart of a tumultuous journey.

Arrival in Stuttgart #

After several hours, Stuttgart station appears on the horizon. With a 20-minute delay upon arrival, descending from the train marks the end of the first leg of this 4,000 kilometer journey. At the foot of the majestic station built in 1914, an old man, Elmar, waits in the shadow of a shed. His determined gaze reveals his deep commitment against the Stuttgart 21 project, a controversial initiative facing criticism due to its exorbitant cost and environmental impact.

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A Struggle Rooted in History #

In discussing with Elmar, he shares his experiences and talks about the battles fought by activists. His combativeness for the preservation of green spaces recalls similar struggles, particularly that waged by opponents of the Notre-Dame-des-Landes airport. Tragic events such as police violence and mass protests resonate deeply with current climate events, inviting reflection on the importance of being heard in public debate.

A Call to Reflection #

This departure to COP29 in Baku is not just a simple geographical journey; it also embodies an inner journey, where individual and collective destinies intertwine in the face of a planetary issue. Every encounter, every story, every exchanged gaze emphasizes the importance of commitment to defending our environment. The images resonate beyond borders, revealing the power of a community united for a common purpose.