Scientists block streets over climate policy

Scientists block streets over climate policy

Some 50 scientists demonstrated near the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in Berlin on Tuesday 18 October. They demanded a speed limit on German highways and the reintroduction of the popular 9-euro ticket for public transport.

A group of 30 academics blocked the entrances of the federal ministry. 20 other academics blocked streets around the ministry at three points. The protesters had travelled to the German capital from 12 European countries.

“We demand from the German government an immediate 100 km/h speed limit on highways and an affordable €9 ticket for public transport. The transport ministry has failed for years to achieve a significant reduction in emissions,” says Dr Nana Maria Grüning, molecular biologist at the Charité, University Clinic Berlin and one of the protesting scientists.

Scientist Rebellion is a sister movement of Extinction Rebellion. The international movement includes scientists who are deeply concerned about the climate and ecological crisis and believe that the scientific community has a responsibility to step forward and join the vanguard of the climate movement. (AdB)

• Also read the interview with Scientist Rebellion member Guus Dix: ‘Without confrontation, little is going to change’.