Scientist Rebellion blocks private terminal

Scientist Rebellion blocks private terminal

^{Ten scientists blocked a private jet terminal at Schiphol airport on Tuesday morning, 14 February 2023. They were demonstrating against high aircraft emissions. (Photo: HOP)}

The protesters, scientists from several universities, had chained themselves to their bicycles when they were arrested by police on Tuesday morning. The action was part of the international Make Them Pay campaign. There were 19 similar actions in 12 countries.

Marthe Wens, a university lecturer at VU University Amsterdam, was one of the activists. She finds it “unacceptable that the super-rich continue to fly around the world while millions are already suffering disastrous consequences of climate change”.

Private jets emit far more than normal passenger planes and, according to Scientist Rebellion, their use on short flights from the Netherlands is increasing. Paris and London – both easily accessible by train – are said to be the most popular destinations. (HOP, PvT)