Climate activists in Germany caused major disruptions at two airports on Thursday as they glued themselves to the runways in protest against mass transit pollution. The group, known as Last Generation, demanded stronger government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and immediate plans to cut emissions in the transportation sector. They accused officials of lacking a strategy to tackle the climate crisis.
The protests continued on Friday as activists targeted traffic in Munich. Reuters reported that one member of the group glued himself to the street while others used the same method as the airport disruptions. This is not the first time Last Generation has staged such protests. In April, they glued themselves to the streets of Berlin to block traffic to the Alps, disrupting holiday plans for residents and travelers.
The airport disruptions led to hours of delays and dozens of flight cancellations. Hamburg Airport suspended flights after nine unauthorized individuals entered the airfield, with eight of them gluing themselves to the tarmac. At Düsseldorf Airport, seven people successfully glued themselves to the runway, but authorities managed to remove half of the protesters after several hours. Overall, Hamburg experienced 46 delayed, canceled, or diverted flights.
The activists now face charges of disturbing the peace, coercive behavior, and dangerous interference with aviation. Transport Minister Volker Wissing and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann criticized the protesters for dividing society and ruining the vacations of others. Wissing has previously blocked proposals to cut emissions from air and road travel.
Last Generation insists that their protests are peaceful, although disruptive. However, motorists facing delays have sometimes attacked the activists. In May, German prosecutors raided the homes of several group members on suspicion of forming or supporting a criminal organization.
What are the charges that the activists face for their disruptive protests at the airports and on the streets
Climate activists in Germany caused major disruptions at two airports on Thursday as they glued themselves to the runways in protest against mass transit pollution. The group, known as Last Generation, demanded stronger government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and immediate plans to cut emissions in the transportation sector. They accused officials of lacking a strategy to tackle the climate crisis.
The protests continued on Friday as activists targeted traffic in Munich. Reuters reported that one member of the group glued himself to the street while others used the same method as the airport disruptions. This is not the first time Last Generation has staged such protests. In April, they glued themselves to the streets of Berlin to block traffic to the Alps, disrupting holiday plans for residents and travelers.
The airport disruptions led to hours of delays and dozens of flight cancellations. Hamburg Airport suspended flights after nine unauthorized individuals entered the airfield, with eight of them gluing themselves to the tarmac. At Düsseldorf Airport, seven people successfully glued themselves to the runway, but authorities managed to remove half of the protesters after several hours. Overall, Hamburg experienced 46 delayed, canceled, or diverted flights.
The activists now face charges of disturbing the peace, coercive behavior, and dangerous interference with aviation. Transport Minister Volker Wissing and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann criticized the protesters for dividing society and ruining the vacations of others. Wissing has previously blocked proposals to cut emissions from air and road travel.
Last Generation insists that their protests are peaceful, although disruptive. However, motorists facing delays have sometimes attacked the activists. In May, German prosecutors raided the homes of several group members on suspicion of forming or supporting a criminal organization.
It’s encouraging to see climate activists taking direct action and demanding government action on greenhouse gas emissions. By causing airport delays, they are effectively bringing attention to the urgent need for change. It’s time for governments worldwide to prioritize sustainable solutions and work together for a greener future.
It’s commendable to see climate activists taking direct action to raise awareness about the urgent need for government action on greenhouse gas emissions. The disruption caused at airports may inconvenience some, but it shines a spotlight on the pressing issue of climate change that demands immediate attention. Kudos to these activists for their determination and commitment to a sustainable future.