Today, the Climate March brought together an immense number of citizens in the streets of Brussels. 60,000 Belgians took to the streets to remind political leaders of this summer’s reality: the climate emergency is being felt more than ever, and this demand transcends all divides in society. Faced with this exceptional mobilisation, governments can only respond with ambitious climate action.
This summer was marked by heatwaves, with more than 3,000 heat-related deaths and the Hautes Fagnes ravaged by wildfires. Political responsibility is clear, but several governments have systematically downplayed and dodged it. That’s why the Climate Coalition — which mobilised more than 90 organisations and 60,000 protesters this Sunday in the streets of Brussels — is demanding that politicians stop their pretence and implement the solutions called for by the marchers, to prevent the damage from getting worse.
The government has completely got it wrong
This year, major European oil companies have already raked in €7.5 billion in excess profits, and the year isn’t even over yet. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are driving up prices at the pump. Protesters are calling for a permanent tax on these fossil fuel profits. They are also demanding a plan for the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels and an end to fossil fuel subsidies, which exceeded €15 billion in 2024. This money should fund the solutions: investments in renewable infrastructure benefiting citizens and businesses, a just transition, nature restoration and international cooperation.
“This summer, the heat cost 3,000 lives in Belgium, while the oil giants counted their billions. It is unacceptable that this crisis is enriching polluters while making our loved ones suffer and upending our environment. The money is there, the solutions exist. The demand to the government is simple: tax the excess profits and protect your fellow citizens!”, says Nadia Cornejo, vice-president of the Climate Coalition.
Contacts:
Spokesperson: Nadia Cornejo
Press: Laurence Rouffart, pbz-cerff@pbnyvgvbapyvzng.or
Crédit photo : Eric de Mildt
