Climate activists from the “Last Generation” attempted to disrupt traffic in Cologne, but the police swiftly intervened, preventing significant disruption.
Climate activists from the “Last Generation” briefly attempted to disrupt traffic in Cologne. According to t-online.de’s report, eighteen people aimed to sit down on a street in the city center. They saw this as a protest for more climate protection and against the CO₂ emissions from passing cars. They carried banners with slogans like “Oil kills” and other statements highlighting the urgency of stricter climate protection measures.
However, the police were present in force, having been alerted to the action through social media. The officers quickly removed the activists from the roadway, allowing traffic to resume as usual. The police recorded the activists’ personal details and are now investigating whether the 18 individuals committed an administrative offense by violating traffic safety regulations.
The “Last Generation” is a climate activist group that was established in 2021. They are known for their direct action tactics, primarily in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Poland. The group believes they are the last generation that can act before the Earth’s climate reaches irreversible tipping points.
Their actions include road blockades, vandalizing yachts, paintings, buildings, and private jets to draw attention to their cause. They have also demanded policies such as a general speed limit of 100 km/h on German autobahns and the reintroduction of a 9-Euro-Ticket for public transport.
The group’s methods have sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting their cause and others criticizing their disruptive tactics. Recently, they announced a shift from road blockades to “disobedient public assemblies” and increased protests at facilities like oil pipelines and energy company headquarters.
