Activists spray Brandenburg Gate orange as global protests demand end to fossil fuels
People participated in climate marches and protests in hundreds of cities in more than 50 countries.
More than a dozen climate activists have been arrested in Berlin after spraying orange paint on the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
The action came amid global climate protests that saw thousands come together to call for an end to the use of fossil fuels.
On Sunday, members of activist group Last Generation used fire extinguishers filled with paint on the popular monument.
German police confirmed they had arrested 14 people affiliated with the campaign group and opened an investigation into criminal damage to property.
The protesters’ actions were condemned by Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, who told German news agency DPA that the tactics went beyond legitimate forms of protest.
“The group undermines not only the historic Brandenburg Gate, but also our free discourse on important issues of our times and our future,” he said.
Posting footage of the action on X, formerly known as Twitter, Last Generation said it would only stop protesting once change began.
“We must exit oil, gas and coal by 2030 at the latest. Instead of fossil companies buying and directing part of the politics, the population must come together in a social council.”
Thousands took part in climate strikes across Europe
THE Berlin The landmark was painted orange in the middle global protests in more than 50 countries to demand an end to the burning of fossil fuels. Thousands of people participated in hundreds of cities around the world and the marches are expected to continue this week.
In Europe, climate action began on Friday with a march in Vienna. According to organizers, around 20,000 people gathered in the Austrian capital holding signs demanding higher taxes on carbon emissions and an end to meat consumption.
There were also roadblocks in The Hague where Dutch police used water cannons to disperse protesters. More than 3,000 people have been arrested in the Netherlands last week during protests against government subsidies for fossil fuels.
Across Germany, around 250 protests took place, with several thousand people gathering in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate before heading to the city’s government district.
ADVERTISEMENTSweden also saw thousands of activists rally outside Parliament on Friday as King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrated 50 years on the throne. At the nearby Royal Palace, their chants could be heard as the king watched the celebrations.
Global climate protests put pressure on world leaders
The protests come this week ahead of the UN General Assembly, where world leaders will gather to discuss some of the world’s most pressing issues. Culminating in the Climate Ambition Summitthe health of the planet should be high on the agenda.
Organizers of the weeklong international effort say they expect a global participation of one million people. More than 500 events are planned in Europe, Asia and the United States.
It is hoped that global climate protests will pressure leaders and governments to end the use of fossil fuels that contribute to global warming, after months of extreme weather.
Watch the video above to see this weekend’s climate protests across Europe.
Video Editor •Hannah Brown
Additional sources • Images from AP, AFP and EBU
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