Climate activists block road crossing in Dresden for fair climate protection

Climate activists blocked a road junction in the south of Dresden on Thursday - legally, as the meeting was registered. With the action, they called for fair climate protection in Dresden and at the same time protested against environmental destruction in the Heidebogen forest not far from the city on the Elbe. Forest is regularly cleared there for the extraction of gravel. The demonstrators demanded the rapid implementation of the climate protection concept for the city of Dresden. According to reports from eyewitnesses, there were no major traffic obstructions. Immediately before the blockade, however, the failure of a traffic light system had caused traffic jams.

"The majority of the population is willing to do something to preserve our livelihoods. But it is crucial for this willingness that people know that it is fair," explained physicist Fritz Pielenz. From the outset, it must be investigated whether and how differently people are burdened - or benefit - from the measures described in the concept. When it comes to heating, for example, the city must support people in applying for subsidies and, if necessary, ensure social equality with its own measures. "Anyone who puts justice at the back of the queue or communicates poorly also provides a template for all forces that want to use division to prevent climate protection or gain their own advantages."

On Thursday afternoon, a hearing of experts on the protection of forest areas and moors in the areas affected by gravel extraction will take place in the state parliament. According to the environmental activists, damage has already been done to the surrounding nature conservation areas in addition to the deforestation. The gravel works in question is quarrying gravel sand on a large scale and has filled the pits with building rubble. Now environmentally toxic substances are being washed out into the neighboring moors with the precipitation. Further dumps and extraction sites are being developed and are in the approval process. The Heidebogen hit the headlines just over a year ago after police broke up an occupation of the woodland.