Tens of thousands of people have marched through the streets of Amsterdam, calling for increased action to tackle climate change.
The protest-which was said to have pulled over 70,000 people and the biggest climate protest ever in the Netherlands. to the streets- comes just 10 days before a national election.
Tackling climate change is one of the key policy areas for political parties contesting the Nov. 22 general election.
Greta Thunberg, popular activist was among those walking through the historic heart of the Dutch capital. She and former European Union climate chief Frans Timmermans, who now leads a center-left, two-party bloc in the election campaign, were among speakers due to address a crowd that gathered on a square behind the landmark Rijksmuseum.
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“We live in a time of crises, all of which are the result of the political choices that have been made. It has to be done and it can be done differently,” organizer the Climate Crisis Coalition said in a statement.
Although the coalition included the Fridays for Future youth movement, protesters were all ages and included a large contingent of medics in white coats carrying a banner emblazoned with the text: “Climate crisis = health crisis.”
“I am a pediatrician. I’m here standing up for the rights of children,” said Laura Sonneveld, who took part in the protest. “Children are the first to be affected by climate change.”
Margje Weijs, a Spanish teacher and youth coach, was quoted as saying that “It is time for us to protest about government decisions,”. “I hope this influences the election.”
Story was adapted from Abcnews.
