Hundreds Of Activists Block Private Jets At Schiphol Airport In Protest
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Environmental activists trouped in their hundreds on Saturday to the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam to protest against climate change.
They wore white overalls and were visibly seen in an area holding private jets at the airport. They also sat in front of aircraft wheels, stopping them from leaving for hours.
Following the incident, Military police swooped in to take dozens of them away in buses. Reports on the incident revealed that over 100 of the activists were arrested by the police.
Activists Continue Their Demonstration Against Climate Change
The protest was one among several other protests held in Europe Yesterday. The protest in Amsterdam was organized by Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion, as they prepare for the COP27 climate talks in Egypt later this year.
Despite the disruptions, there were no delays in commercial flights, according to reports.
“We want fewer flights, more trains, and a ban on unnecessary short-haul flights and private jets,” campaign leader of Greenpeace Netherlands, Dewi Zloch said.
The climate activists added that Schiphol is responsible for the largest carbon dioxide emissions in the Netherlands, as it emits 12 billion kilograms annually.
Several other demonstrators within the airport’s vicinity carried different placards, with some saying “More Trains” while others wrote “Restrict Aviation” on them.
Schiphol Revealed Its Plans To End Carbon Emissions By 2030
While reacting to the protest, Schiphol said it is aiming to become an emissions-free airport by 2030 and its plans are already in progress to achieve it before the deadline. The airport also stated that it supports the targets for the aviation industry to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The military police responsible for security at the airport revealed that they made several arrests and detained some of the protesters who were at the airport without any permits.
In June, the Dutch government announced that it will limit the number of annual passengers at the airport by 11% to 440,000. This will be lower than the levels set in 2019. According to the government, the decision will help to curtail air pollution and address climate concerns.
Last week, Transportation Minister Mark Harbers, while speaking to the parliament, admitted that his office couldn’t control the increasing number of jet traffic. In line with the complaints, the government said it is looking to add the issue to its climate policy.
