Thousands of climate activists took to the streets in the Netherlands on September 9, demanding an end to government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The protest, organized by Extinction Rebellion, saw over 10,000 participants marching along the A12 highway into The Hague, despite warnings from authorities not to block the major traffic artery leading to the Dutch seat of government, Al Jazeera reported.
Police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowds, resulting in the detention of 2,400 protesters, including minors. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries during the demonstration.
Extinction Rebellion has vowed to contine its protests until the Dutch government ceases using public funds to subsidize the oil and gas industry. Protesters, including children and the elderly, chanted slogans like
"The seas are rising, and so are we,"
emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
This protest is part of a broader global movement advocating for stronger climate action and the transition to renewable energy sources. Concerns over the environmental impact of fossil fuels and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions have intensified calls to redirect subsidies towards cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives.
In the Netherlands, activists are pressuring the government to align its policies with climate goals and phase out support for fossil fuels. The protest underscores the public's determination to address the climate crisis and hold governments accountable for their actions in tackling global environmental challenges.
Last week, a report revealed €37.5 bn ($40.5 bn) in subsidies in the Netherlands, particularly in the shipping industry, prompting calls for an immediate end to the practice.
Activists on the front lines displayed signs with messages such as "Fossil Fuel Subsidies are Not Cool," highlighting the connection between these subsidies and extreme global temperatures experienced this summer.
While the Netherlands is recognized for its leadership in renewable energy and progressive climate policies, Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten has not provided a timeline for ending fossil fuel subsidies. Another protest is scheduled for Sunday as part of Extinction Rebellion's ongoing campaign targeting the Dutch parliament.
At the G20 summit in India, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized the "unprecedented climate emergency" the planet is facing, reinforcing the urgency of climate action on the global stage.
Earlier Daryo reported that a judge in Montana has ruled in favor of a group of young climate activists, stating that state agencies breached their constitutional entitlement to a clean environment.
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