Last Wednesday 3 Bristol-based Greenpeace supporters participated in an event in Brussels. Activists from all over Europe attended the European Business Summit to encourage companies perceived as climate leaders. They wished also to discourage access to the summit to those companies that are climate “laggards”.
Greenpeace activists blocked selected doors to the conference centre by chaining themselves to metal barriers. The start of the conference was delayed and puzzled delegates amused themselves outside by photographing the besuited protesters on their mobile phones.
Belgian police arrived quickly to disentangle protesters and dismantle the barriers. The conference continued after a delay. Protesters were arrested and held for 8 hours next to some police horse stables. No charges were brought.
The current EU climate target is 20% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2020.
Climate leaders such as IKEA, Sony and Google recognise the benefits of a 30% EU climate target and publically demand it. The laggard companies such as BP, Microsoft and Volkswagen hold Europe’s progress back by lobbying against these climate targets.
Banners on the conference buildings remained in position all day to re-inforce the message to delegates. The action achieved newspaper and TV coverage in many European countries.
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Brussels - The Aftermath
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