Two climate activists caused outrage with their flight to Bali: are they allowed to do that? Yes, thinks the “Last Generation”. The sneering politicians are diligently helping themselves to the “double standards,” according to the climate protectors. Facts have also been twisted.
In the debate about two climate protectors who have been criticized for taking a long-distance flight to Asia, the climate protection movement “Last Generation” for its part complained about double standards. One can understand that it triggers negative feelings when protesters of the last generation get on a plane, the organization said on Thursday. But it is also a double standard, for example to dig up the town of Lützerath as a “climate chancellor”. Some sharp criticism and ridicule came from politicians in the direction of the activists.
The debate was triggered by a report in the “Bild” newspaper, according to which two climate activists should have appeared in court in Stuttgart. The man is said to have blocked a federal highway together with other activists in Stuttgart last autumn and glued himself there. He would have had to answer before the district court for coercion. The woman was called as a witness. Instead of appearing, they flew to Bali and caused around 7.9 tons of CO2, the “Bild” newspaper calculated. A discussion broke out on social media. Individual politicians had also spoken out critically. The activists’ attitude has often been described as “hypocritical” in the face of their repeated road and airport blockades.
The two did not fly to Bali, but to Thailand to “stay there for many months”, according to the “Last Generation”. Your absence had been agreed with the court. The competent district court confirmed that the persons concerned had announced before the hearing that they would not be able to appear. However, the judge did not release her from her obligation. While the testimony of the witness can be waived, the accused now receives a penalty order.
The “last generation” nevertheless defended the long-distance journey of the two: Individual behavior is not unimportant, on the contrary, according to the climate activists’ statement. Getting involved politically against climate collapse and changing your own life in the process often go hand in hand. However, such a change in life is not a prerequisite for the protest.