Storm atrium while others outside block access to ministry
Lisbon climate activists occupied the Ministry of Environment this morning – some of them storming the atrium, and attaching themselves with metallic tubing to part of the railings, while others, outside, ‘blocked access’ to the building.
The intention – as with previous protest actions that have frequently veered into vandalism – was to demand an end to the use of fossil fuels by 2030.
The group claims to have a plan to guarantee a just energetic transition – and they want to present it to minister Maria da Graça Carvalho.
Talking to reporters, the group describes the plan as one that guarantees the transition within science guidelines.
“We didn’t want to be here, but we have no other option,” medical student Teresa Núncio told CNN Portugal. “We learnt that we need an end to fossils by 2030. The UN just this week warned that we have two years to create and start implementing the necessary plans. But the government still doesn’t have a plan (…) Even after we have repeatedly presented them with a plan for how they can guarantee this. We cannot consent to our condemnation by a government that refuses to face up to climate reality.” ND
Source material: SIC Noticias/ CNN Portugal
