Climate activists from the group “Last Generation” made a daring statement in Berlin by spray-painting the iconic Brandenburg Gate on Sunday. Their actions were a powerful call for an urgent shift away from fossil fuels and greater action to combat climate change.
Six pillars of the historic monument in the heart of the German capital were painted with bright orange warning paint, and the paint extended to the Pariser Platz, the square surrounding the monument. Fourteen individuals were arrested at the scene, but there were no reports of violence.
The demonstrators aimed to emphasize the need for “political change” and a transition away from reliance on fossil fuels. They urged for a complete departure from petrol, gas, and coal no later than 2030, calling on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take a clear stance on the issue.
This act of protest comes amid growing environmental concerns and a demand for more aggressive climate action in Germany. Thousands of climate activists, predominantly led by young people, rallied in Berlin and across the country on Friday, urging Scholz’s government to take more decisive measures to achieve Germany’s climate targets.
Germany has set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, but the “Last Generation” activists are calling for a more accelerated timeline, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. Their bold actions at the Brandenburg Gate serve as a stark reminder that time is running out, and the world must act swiftly to combat climate change.
