Climate Activists Break Into Tata Steel Site Despite Ban
June 24, 2023 – Climate activists defied a ban and entered the Tata Steel site in Velsen on Saturday, breaking open the gates to loud cheers. Hundreds of activists are currently present on the site, despite the mayor’s ban on such demonstrations. An emergency ordinance has been declared for the Tata Steel site, which will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Monday.
The police are present at the scene, with officers driving vans, bicycles, horses, and motorcycles. However, there is no police presence on the Tata Steel site itself, only security guards from the company. As of now, the security guards have not taken any action, according to NU.nl reporters on site.
Tata Steel responded to the incident, stating that entering the site “entails security risks.” A spokesperson for the company explained that Tata Steel in IJmuiden is a fully continuous company, and the production processes cannot be stopped abruptly. The site also falls under a “BRZO supervision regime” (Decree on the Risk of Major Accidents), and trains are constantly running, making it risky to enter the premises.
In addition to breaking into the site, at least seven Extinction Rebellion activists have chained themselves to the railway line, according to the group.
Greenpeace and other activist groups have been calling for the closure of certain parts of Tata Steel. Three groups left a tent camp near the company around 10:45 am, carrying banners with messages such as “Stop the pollution” and “Close sickening parts of Tata Steel.” The activists, wearing red overalls and covering their faces with purple handkerchiefs, masks, or gas masks, also carried numerous flags. They chanted slogans like “Flight, flee, flee, cancer in the sky” to draw attention to incidents involving black smoke clouds and the release of harmful substances.
Tata Steel, on the other hand, claims to share the same end goal as the action groups. The company announced last year that it would accelerate greening at the IJmuiden factory. By 2030, Tata Steel aims to have an installation running on hydrogen and reduce CO2 emissions by 5 megatons. The company’s ultimate aim is to become climate neutral by 2045.
“We will not stop until we have achieved our goals,” said director Hans van den Berg. “We want to improve the living environment, with concrete measures and tangible results. That is not an empty slogan because those local residents are also us.”
The situation at the Tata Steel site remains tense as activists continue their protest, demanding action against pollution and the closure of certain parts of the company.
How is Tata Steel ensuring the safety and security of their employees and the site during the ongoing protest?
Hat the safety and security of their employees and the site is their top priority. They are working closely with the authorities to handle the situation.
The climate activists are protesting against Tata Steel’s contribution to air pollution and its impact on climate change. They argue that the company’s emissions are endangering the health of local residents and contributing to global warming.
This protest comes amid growing concerns about the role of heavy industries, like steel production, in climate change. Activists are calling for stricter regulations and a transition towards renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite the ban on demonstrations, the activists claim that they have a right to peaceful protest and are willing to face the consequences of their actions. They argue that direct action is necessary to raise awareness and push for immediate action on climate change.
The police are monitoring the situation and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the trespassing. The activists are prepared for potential arrests and are determined to make their voices heard.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between climate activists and corporations over environmental issues. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, protests and acts of civil disobedience are likely to continue as activists push for transformative action.
It’s commendable to see climate activists taking a stand on such a crucial issue. While Tata Steel may have banned their entry, their determination to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action cannot be ignored. It’s essential for companies like Tata Steel to acknowledge and respond to the concerns of activists in order to find sustainable solutions for the future.