Activists block streets in German capital demanding climate action

BERLIN

Climate activists blocked more than two dozen streets in Berlin on Monday to increase pressure on the government over their concerns.

The activists from the Last Generation group glued themselves to busy roads and blocked important junctions, causing kilometers-long traffic jams across the city.

The group slammed the German government for ignoring the climate crisis, and vowed to continue their “civil resistance” actions throughout the week.

Berlin police said they have so far responded to more than 30 disruptive actions, and by noon most of the climate activists were cleared from the busy roads. At least 40 protesters were arrested.

The hours-long blockage caused trouble for emergency services, with at least 15 ambulances said to be stuck in a traffic jam.

Due to the traffic chaos, only 39 ambulances, out of 127, were available to respond to a call, according to the Tagesspiegel newspaper.

The Last Generation activists are known for their extreme actions and radical protests to draw attention to climate change.

They are heavily criticizing Berlin for not taking serious measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit), but further investing in fossil fuel infrastructure, endangering the future of humankind.