German environmentalists in Berlin stage protest to end fossil fuel usage

BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25, 2023: Environmentalists in the capital city of Germany, Berlin, on Saturday (Nov. 25) staged a demonstration calling for the cessation of the use of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil. Responding to the call of the environmentalist group named 'Letzte Generation' (Last Generation), demonstrators gathered to protest the German government's climate policy and closed 17 June Street in the city center, demanding their country to cease the use of fossil fuels by 2030. The environmentalists carried signs and banners with messages such as 'Give up fossil fuels for justice,' 'I fear water wars,' 'Climate transformation now,' and 'End fossil fuels.' Numerous participants wore red vests, slogan 'Climate justice now' was chanted in the demonstration. Lina Johnsen, spokesperson for the Next Generation group, called on the German government to stop allocating funds for fossil fuels. “Once again, hundreds of people are taking to the streets today to show that they do not accept what the German government is doing. On one hand, fossil fuels are subsidized with 60 billion euros, and on the other hand, there is a 60 billion euro shortfall for preserving the climate. If you think about it, something here doesn't add up. There are young and old people here, all on the streets to show their support for this cause. We need to phase out coal, gas, and oil by no later than 2030.” Lina Johnsen said. The demonstration, which was subject to security measures by the police, also received support from various environmental groups. (Footage by Erbil Başay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)