Early Friday morning there was nothing for a short while on the Bellerivestrasse in Seefeld in Zurich. Climate activists from the Renovate Switzerland group sat down on the asphalt. Two of them had even recorded themselves. Seven people were subsequently arrested. Background to the action: The group calls on the Federal Council to better promote and finance housing renovations in the interest of the environment.
With the renovation of apartments that need emergency insulation, energy consumption and CO₂ emissions can be reduced at the same time. “Switzerland still has three years to achieve the agreed CO₂ emissions. But as it stands, the Federal Council won’t be able to do that. Something has to be done,” Renovate spokeswoman Cecile Bessire told Blick in April. She says about the actions: “We don’t want that either. But we have to do it.”
Just hours later, climate chaos made headlines again – this time in London. Two climate activists had managed to smuggle two cans of Heinz tomato soup into the National Gallery in London. They poured the red liquid over Vincent van Gogh’s (1853-1890) masterpiece entitled “Sunflowers”. Behind it was Just Stop Oil. They are committed to ensuring that Britain no longer uses oil and gas, but instead relies on alternative energy sources.
After smearing the artwork, they exclaimed, “Which is worth more, art or life? Are you more concerned about protecting a painting or protecting our planet?” The women were then taken away by museum security guards. The photo remains undamaged, only the frame is slightly damaged, the National Gallery reports.
“Unfortunately, this action is necessary”
A day later, on Saturday morning, the group Animal Rebellion struck in the UK. Several activists threw or spilled milk bottles on the floor in supermarkets. Animal Rebellion advocates a plant-based future and emphasizes the need to support farmers in the transition to a sustainable plant-based food system. “Unfortunately, this action is necessary to get those responsible to listen to the experts,” an activist told British media.
Next action on Sunday. This time by the group Extinction Rebellion. A man and a woman struck in the Australian city of Melbourne. In the National Gallery of Victoria, they stuck to the protective glass of the painting “Massacre in Korea” by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Next to them they placed a banner on the ground in front of them with the inscription: “Climate Chaos = War and Famine”. That reports CNN. The two activists were arrested after the incident. (yeah)