“We want an EU that adjusts agricultural subsidies and helps farmers follow a path that does not constantly conflict with the natural foundation. We want an EU that prioritizes climate action and ensures that all countries comply with the Paris Agreement,” said Marie Reumert Gjerding, chairwoman of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation at a march in the Danish capital Copenhagen.
In the Netherlands, demonstrations took place in a luxury office district in Amsterdam-Zuid where many multinationals have their headquarters. There, a speech was given by the chairperson of the largest Dutch trade union federation.
FNV chairman Tuur Elzinga did not dare say whether the attempt to strike a chord with the Friday afternoon drinks at the Zuidas companies was successful. “Many people are afraid of climate change and many people are afraid of climate policy. The benefits and burdens are unfairly distributed.”
That is why the largest trade union also participated in the march. “I hope companies will start working on the climate quickly, and not only when they are forced to. And together with the people on the work floor, because they know best what needs to be done.”
The People's Climate March is a politically independent event organized by volunteers from the participating EU countries. The People's Climate March pursues several concrete goals, such as European climate neutrality by 2040, 30 percent protected nature in the EU, more climate aid to vulnerable countries, and greener agriculture.