Activists occupied a forest to prevent the construction of a highway

Germans' interest in climate change is growing

  • Activists occupied the place allocated by the German government to pave the way.

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  • The endangered forest.

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  • The policemen are trying to evacuate the activists from the scene.

    Reuters

  • The activists occupied the trees of the forest.

    Getty

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Some environmental activists have been occupying part of a forest in Trier, southwest Germany, for more than a year, in an attempt to prevent the construction of a four-lane motorway through the forest.

And this is not the only camp of its kind in Germany, there are 10 similar camps for activists who reside in the woods.

The activists say they will remain in the forest until officials announce that the road will not be built, or until the police come and clear the forest in preparation for its construction.

Given that the activists reside for long periods of time in a camp located in the occupied area, it is well equipped, in terms of the possibility of sleeping, cooking, and electricity.

Although Germany is committed to an energy transition and expanding renewable uses, campaigners say they want to see "real implementation of pledges to transition to clean energy" and generally oppose new roads.

The locals, who live near the forest, are also helping the activists in the camp in several ways, such as allowing them to fill water bottles, dispose of their waste, and allow them to use washing machines and showers.

Some residents see the protest as beneficial, as it sheds light on the larger problem of climate change.

Eventually, activists want the entire federal plan for Germany's transport infrastructure, a plan to build 850 kilometers of motorways, to be scrapped.

At the government level, Trier city council officials expressed concern last year over the occupation of the forest, which constitutes a form of illegal camping and violates the state's forest law aimed at protecting the forest ecosystem.

• Activists say they will remain in the forest until officials announce that the road will not be built, or until the police come and clear the forest in preparation for its construction.

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