Calls for tougher punishments against climate stickers, violent attacks and the threat of deportation: All of this prompted some 1,400 scientists from German-speaking countries – including renowned climate researcher Helga Kromp-Kolb – to declare their support for climate activists. Under the motto “Do instead of criminalize”, they call on politicians to change their tone. Otherwise, they fear that violence will increase.
Some forms of protest push the boundaries of what is bearable, the statement released Friday admits. However, they are “an expression of a last resort” to convince the responsible politicians to take their responsibility, it says.
“Represented as ‘Boo People'”
They therefore show full solidarity with the demonstrators and want to “contribute to an objectification of the debate”. Austrian media ethicist Claudia Paganini, who initiated the campaign, is concerned that violence against members of the “last generation” is escalating. “The internet is now full of videos of activists being kicked in the stomach, punched in the stomach or choked to death,” Paganini told APA on Friday. “They are portrayed as ‘boo people’.” So they wanted to set an example.
The statement was signed by researchers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In Austria, the statement is supported by retired climate researcher Helga Kromp-Kolb, among others. “Politics and economics are not responding adequately to the urgency of the climate problem,” Kromp-Kolb said when asked by APA. “Young people who point out this irresponsibility are criminalized.” She finds this situation “unacceptable”. “Someone should explain to me how it can be fun for activists to take to the streets. They’re not masochists and they’re just doing it for fun.”
New wave of protests announced for May
The climate protection group “Last Generation” recently announced “mega weeks of action” for May. In the biggest wave of protests to date, major traffic junctions are once again closed for three weeks.
The most famous activist of the “Last Generation” is probably the German Anja Windl. The 26-year-old student, who lives in Graz, is being expelled from Austria after actively participating in various campaigns. The outcome of the trial is still open, Windl said. The responsible Ministry of the Interior has since been criticized.
The “Scientists for Future” showed their solidarity with Windl in a broadcast on Friday. In a broadcast, the group joined the call of many colleagues for politicians to finally act appropriately in the climate crisis.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
