German environmentalist rally in Berlin on threat to Antarctic
A demonstration was held in Berlin to raise awareness about the rising threat to the Antarctic.
-
Participants hold signs during a rally in Berlin (DPA)
A coalition of German environmental groups held a demonstration in Berlin on Friday to raise awareness about the rising threat to the Antarctic, where global warming is causing floating ice shelves to melt.
Read more: Underwater volcano in Antarctica sets off 85,000 earthquakes
At the Brandenburg Gate, the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), and others created a melting penguin ice sculpture over one and a half meters high.
According to the organizations, the sculpture was meant to represent the region's burden on animals.
A spokesperson indicated that over 800 individuals participated, with many holding placards.
They urged for actions to conserve Antarctic maritime regions and species in a rally planned to coincide with the Antarctic Conference, which is taking place in Berlin till June 2nd, and the gathering of G7 environment, climate, and energy ministers.
Read more: Human-caused climate change causing 'ocean amnesia'
The protection of the emperor penguin is one of the subjects on the agenda for the Antarctic Treaty Conference, but organizers highlighted that the challenges presented by the climate catastrophe go well beyond this.
As the ice sheets melt, the threat to the environment and civilization grows. Campaigners are advocating for a network of marine protected zones to counteract the negative consequences of climate change.
