Thousands of people march for climate change in Belgium

In a powerful display of unity, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Brussels on Sunday to demand immediate action against climate change. The demonstration took place as world leaders convened for the critical COP28 talks in the United Arab Emirates. 

The protesters carried posters and placards bearing slogans such as “No to climate change, yes to system change” and “We want a liveable and healthy planet.” The protesters did this despite the low temperature in the Belgian capital, the crowd remained resolute in their commitment for change.

Thousands of people march for climate change in Belgium

The Climate Coalition, a coalition of 90 civil society organizations, had called for the demonstration. The organizers estimated that 25000 people attended, while the police put the number at 20000. Echoing the sentiment of the marchers, Climate Coalition president Nicolas Van Nuffel emphasized the urgency of the event, stating, “This march isn’t taking place on any date, it’s happening at the start of COP28… we really need international negotiations to move forward.”

The protesters came from all walks of life, including students and pensioners, with each group expressing their unique concerns about climate change. Nienke, a student, addressed the precariousness of her future, stating, “My future is in danger, and I really want to live in a safer world… I feel so stressed by what will happen to our planet.”

Agnes, a pensioner, echoed these concerns but also expressed her disillusionment with politicians, noting, “They have not been doing what they should be doing for years… There is no planet B.”

The demonstration in Brussels shows that from small organizations to individuals taking to the streets, any little help that brings more attention to the issues our planet is facing regarding climate change, which in turn puts more demand on the people who have the power to bring a change to act, as like Agnes said, there is no planet B, so we should care for the planet we do have.