Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested by Dutch police during a protest aimed at blocking The Hague’s A12 highway in opposition to the Dutch government’s tax concessions for companies linked to the fossil fuel industry, including Shell and KLM.
The activists, including Thunberg, coordinated their actions to coincide with an upcoming debate on fossil fuel subsidies in June. They carried signs with messages such as “Stop fuel subsidies now!” and “The planet is dying!”
Thunberg emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, stating, “It’s important to demonstrate today because we are living in a state of planetary emergency. We must do everything to avoid that crisis and to save human lives.” Despite facing police intervention, she remained resolute, questioning why she should be worried about the authorities.
Having been involved in organizing similar events since she was 15, Thunberg has consistently advocated for climate action. In a recent social media post during another protest, she criticized elected officials for perpetuating a “violent and destructive system.” Thunberg’s activism continues to draw attention to the need for immediate and significant action to address the climate crisis, even in the face of legal repercussions.