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Climate activists spray-paint Berlin's historic Brandenburg Gate

Demonstrators aimed to emphasise need for "political change" and a transition from reliance on fossil fuels

By Web Desk
September 17, 2023
The columns of Berlin´s landmark the Brandenburg Gate are covered in orange paint on September 17, 2023, in Berlin, Germany.—AFP
The columns of Berlin´s landmark the Brandenburg Gate are covered in orange paint on September 17, 2023, in Berlin, Germany.—AFP 

Climate activists from the group "Last Generation" made a bold statement in Berlin by spray-painting the iconic Brandenburg Gate on Sunday.

They called for an urgent shift away from fossil fuels and greater action to combat climate change.

Two men remove paint from the columns of Berlin´s landmark the Brandenburg Gate on September 17, 2023 in Berlin.—AFP
Two men remove paint from the columns of Berlin´s landmark the Brandenburg Gate on September 17, 2023 in Berlin.—AFP 

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.

German climate activist Luisa Neubauer speaks during a protest of the Fridays for Future movement and other activists at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on September 15, 2023.—AFP
German climate activist Luisa Neubauer speaks during a protest of the Fridays for Future movement and other activists at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on September 15, 2023.—AFP 

The demonstrators aimed to emphasise 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, urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take a clear stance on the issue.

The Fridays for Future movement and other activists protest at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on September 15, 2023.—AFP
The Fridays for Future movement and other activists protest at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on September 15, 2023.—AFP 

This act of protest comes in the midst of growing environmental concerns and a call 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.