Extinction Rebellion Launches Week-Long Climate March Ahead of Planned A12 Highway Blockade
The Hague, Netherlands – Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists have embarked on a week-long climate march from Arnhem to The Hague, culminating in a planned blockade of the A12 highway on Saturday, September 14. The protest aims to draw attention to the need for the abolition of fossil fuel subsidies and the urgent need for climate action.
Starting on Sunday, September 8, the march will see activists cover approximately 20 kilometers each day, with the goal of arriving in the Dutch capital of The Hague next weekend. The A12 blockade is a significant event in XR’s ongoing campaign against government support for the fossil fuel industry.
In a statement, XR Netherlands emphasized the importance of the march and the upcoming blockade, saying, While science is sounding the alarm, politics continues to support the fossil industry with billions. This money could be better used for things that increase, for example, the security of existence.
The march has been notably peaceful, with no police intervention reported thus far. This stands in contrast to previous actions where police have moved to remove protesters from the highway. However, the absence of police presence is not due to a lack of concern for public safety. Instead, police have stated that they will not intervene as a protest for their early retirement scheme. Despite this, police unions have announced that officers will be present to ensure the safety of participants and other road users during the march.
The police have made it clear that they will stop working during the final blockade in The Hague, according to a statement to Het Parool, a Dutch newspaper. This decision reflects the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists, as well as internal disputes within the police force itself.
This is not the first time XR has organized a climate march ahead of an A12 blockade. Last year, activists held a similar event in The Hague, drawing attention to the same issues. The group has vowed to remain on the highway until fossil subsidies are abolished, and with the reduced police presence, they anticipate staying on the road for as long as possible.
The A12 blockade is strategically timed to coincide with Budget Day, a significant event in the Netherlands where the government presents its annual budget. XR activists are calling for the elimination of all tax benefits that promote the use of fossil fuels by this date.
As the march progresses, XR continues to gain attention for its climate action efforts, with the group’s message resonating with many who are concerned about the pace of government action on climate change. With the eyes of the nation on them, the activists hope to achieve significant change in the fight against climate breakdown.
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