Extinction Rebellion blocks Afsluitdijk: protest against gas drilling!

Extinction Rebellion blocks Afsluitdijk: protest against gas drilling!

On Saturday afternoon, climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) caused a stir on the Afsluitdijk near Den Oever in North Holland. The activists blocked part of the road, disrupting traffic in both directions for several hours. Their protest was clearly directed against planned gas drilling under the North Sea, which, in their opinion, not only endangers climate goals, but also threatens the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea. Loud Omroep Zilt There were around 150 activists on site with posters making their message clear.

In a further twist, the protest also saw counter-demonstrations. A group of people threw eggs at the climate activists and the press in attendance. Police were on site to monitor the situation, but were not present in sufficient numbers due to understaffing. Riot police later arrived to calm the situation. So reported RB Nieuws, that the blockade served to put pressure on companies and institutions such as Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) and the research institute TNO.

demands of activists

An Extinction Rebellion spokesman, Guus Dix, expressed the activists' determination to continue the protest until their demands are met. These include an immediate halt to new gas drilling and the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. “No new gas drilling under a UNESCO world heritage site,” he emphasized. To draw attention to the dangers of fossil fuels, the activists had already spoken to members of the government and fossil fuel consultants, but without positive feedback. This led them to opt for more extreme measures, such as blocking the Afsluitdijk, to get their message across.

The protest took place in the context of general unrest over climate policy, which is noticeable not only in the Netherlands, but also in Germany and other parts of Europe. According to political analyst Sebastian Haunss, social movements like the climate movement in Germany need staying power to actually bring about change. The protests in recent years show that despite the pressure on politicians, many people can be mobilized for climate protection and measures to reduce CO2. But the current political landscape, characterized by resistance and different interests, makes this extremely difficult bpb explained.

Experiences of drivers

Although activists were determined to advance their causes, there were also voices of discontent. Motorists like Arthur de Groot reported that he had to go to hospital with his mother-in-law and had to detour due to the blockade, causing significant delays. Another driver, Roelof Kreeft, also had to take detours to get to a festival in Fryslân in time.

The blockade of the Afsluitdijk impressively shows how strongly opinions differ about climate protection and fossil fuels. While activists are fighting to preserve the climate and ecosystem, others are struggling with the immediate impact of the protest. These tensions highlight the complex discourse about climate protection that continues to take place in our society.