Tree Tops Cut Off... German Environmental Group's Radical Protest Again "Don't Ignore Climate Disaster"

"We Only See the End of the Climate Disaster"
Protests Continue with Masterpiece Vandalism and Road Occupation

On the 21st, activists belonging to the environmental organization 'Last Generation' suddenly cut off the top part of the Christmas tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Ahead of Christmas this weekend, climate activists in Germany staged a protest by sawing down the iconic Christmas tree in Berlin.

On the 21st (local time), according to ABC News and others, activists belonging to the environmental group "Last Generation" suddenly sawed off the top part of the Christmas tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Two female activists from the group climbed a hydraulic lift, typically used to raise cars and other vehicles, and sawed off the upper 2 meters of the 15-meter-high tree. They hung a banner on the lift that read, "This is just the tip of the Christmas tree." Police confirmed the incident and stated that they are conducting follow-up measures such as identity checks at the scene.

One of the activists, Lily Gomez, holding the cut-off piece in her hand, said, "In Germany, we have only seen the tip of the fundamental climate disaster so far," adding, "While many spend time shopping for the best gifts at large stores across Germany this week, others are left wondering where to find drinking water after crops have been destroyed by droughts and floods." She criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, demanding more action to address climate change, saying, "Climate collapse is at Germany's doorstep, but the government is doing nothing to protect us."

The German government and "Last Generation" are at odds over environmental activism methods. Earlier, German prosecutors conducted searches on the group on charges including disruption of public enterprise operations and forming a criminal organization. On the 13th, the Brandenburg state prosecutor's office stated, "Since April this year, 'Last Generation' has repeatedly carried out occupation attacks on the PCK Schwedt refinery, causing interruptions in crude oil supply." PCK Schwedt is the largest refinery in the former East Germany region, and the group blocked crude oil supply by occupying a nearby pumping station. Prosecutors warned, "The searches are based on charges of disrupting public enterprise operations, but we are also investigating the formation of a criminal organization," adding, "If suspects repeatedly commit crimes, it constitutes forming a criminal organization."

"Last Generation," mainly active in Germany and Austria, has recently come under scrutiny for a series of radical protests. On the 9th, they held a demonstration on a road in Mainz, Germany, holding a placard stating, "Germany's transport sector maintains high carbon emissions, contributing to the destruction of our civilization." On that day, one activist used a super-strong adhesive mixed with sand to glue their hand to the road, causing traffic to stop and emergency responders to be dispatched.

They also attempted to damage one of Claude Monet's famous "Haystacks" series paintings exhibited at the Barberini Museum in Potsdam, Germany, by pouring mashed potatoes on it, and staged a protest by gluing an activist's hand to the wall. Regarding these protest methods, they stated, "This is to raise awareness that fossil fuel use is hastening the end of humanity," adding, "How can anyone worry more about a painting protected by glass being damaged than about the daily deaths of children?"