VIERSEN, Germany: Thousands of climate activists Friday started marching toward a huge German coal mine they plan to blockade in a protest against global warming, an issue that has shot to the top of the European political agenda.
"Today we set out with thousands of people towards a future without fossil fuels, without exploitation and without this destructive quest for infinite economic growth," said EG spokeswoman Sina Reisch ahead of a planned weekend of sit-ins and protest rallies. Germany, Europe's most populous country and biggest economy, has long promoted clean renewables such as solar and wind while phasing out nuclear power.
"Today we are taking the coal phase-out into our own hands because the government is failing to protect the climate," said EG spokeswoman Nike Malhaus.The activists have set up base in a colourful"climate camp" tent city, which boasts a vegan food canteen, medical centre, child care and an open-air cinema, near the town of Viersen.