NewsWorldEurope's climate activists and their new fighting tactics

Europe’s climate activists and their new fighting tactics

Time is running out | Who are the climate activists sounding the alarm?

Soup on a Van Gogh, hands glued to the roads, mashed potatoes on a Monet painting. Climate activists in Europe have been adopting more extreme tactics.

Our reporter Hans von der Brelie has been with them to find out why.

Extinction Rebellion, Lyon (France)

Hans’ first date is with the climate group Extinction Rebellion, which has branches in 75 countries.

The meeting point is communicated at the last minute. While there, Hans learns that the activists are planning to break into a chemical plant in Lyon: Arkema. Last year, journalists discovered that the company had been releasing harmful chemicals into the suburbs.

Vigo, one of the rare activists who agrees to be filmed, says he is willing to take risks for social change but insists he supports democracy:

“Democracy is the backbone of society. It would be hard to live without her. But the current government is hindering the situation (climate action).”

Last Generation, Lützerath (Germany)

The next stop is Lützerath, where climate activists have gathered to stop the expansion of a coal mine.

To prevent workers from accessing the mine, Last Generation members block a road by sticking their hands to the asphalt.

Our reporter interviews one of them, Joel, who has already spent time in prison for blocking roads.

The ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany stands out, which condemned the Government for climate inaction in 2021.

Brandalism, Brussels (Belgium)

Tona and Gingko work with the Brandalism group. They fight against the promotion of products that are harmful to the environment.

Hans accompanies them as they hijack billboards, pasting their own posters over the advertisements.

Targeting companies like Toyota and BMW, one of their billboards reads: “Advertising for the end of time”.

They believe they have a democratic duty to act.

Tona explains: “The right to vote for women, the right to weekends off, the right to form a union. All these social victories were achieved through the use of direct action…”.

Dernière Rénovation, Paris (France)

Our journey ends with Sébastien, a member of Dernière Rénovation.

After joining the Socialist Party and later the Greens, Sébastien became frustrated by the government’s inaction.

Hans films as Sébastien sprays the Ministry of the Environment in Paris with bright orange paint.

Shouts: “Who are the culprits? The Government is outlawed. (…) Our paint is cleaned, but their hands are stained with blood.”

Source: Euronews Español

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Posts

Read More
More