Thousands of people filled the streets of Brussels to demand stronger measures against climate change ahead of the COP26 summit. More than 80 organizations joined the march, with attendance estimates ranging from 25,000 (police) to 70,000 (organizers).
Many participants wore costumes of endangered animals, carried placards, and chanted slogans for climate justice in multiple languages. Protesters stressed the urgency of action, citing the extreme weather disasters of recent years. “What do we do when we destroy the planet? We have nothing else,” one demonstrator said.
Activists voiced doubt that COP26 leaders would commit to the radical cuts in carbon emissions needed to slow global warming. Youth climate movements, inspired by Greta Thunberg, criticized governments for making “blah, blah, blah” promises without concrete action.
This was the largest climate march in Brussels since the start of the pandemic, sending a clear message that the public expects decisive policies to address the climate crisis.
