In a powerful display of unity and urgency, around 70,000 protesters, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and former EU climate chief Frans Timmermans, took to the streets of Amsterdam to demand immediate action against climate change. The massive turnout marked the largest climate protest in the history of the Netherlands. The demonstration, which occurred just 10 days before the country's general election, aimed to draw attention to the pressing need for addressing climate issues.

Climate protests in Amsterdam
(Not sharing my political views just showing what I ended up in trying to go to my barber in Amsterdam) pic.twitter.com/cMeDMPYcyg

— Jorrit Jan van Geffen (@jorritvangeffen) November 12, 2023

During the march, protesters marched through the city, brandishing signs and chanting slogans that emphasized the importance of tackling climate change. Some even donned scuba diving gear as a symbolic reference to rising sea levels. The peaceful protest remained incident-free, with no major clashes reported by the local police. Among the speakers scheduled to address the passionate crowd were Greta Thunberg and Frans Timmermans. Thunberg, known for her tireless activism, had earlier invited a Palestinian and an Afghan woman to speak at the climate protest. She believes that climate justice cannot be achieved without international solidarity and listening to the voices of those who are oppressed and fighting for freedom and justice.

The protest received widespread attention as it coincided with the upcoming general election, which has largely focused on migration and the rising cost of living rather than climate issues. However, Timmermans' coalition has prioritized tackling climate change as one of its main policy areas. Currently polling in third place, behind two conservative parties that emphasize limiting migration, the coalition hopes to influence the election with its strong stance on climate action. The masses of protesters, representing all ages and diverse backgrounds, underscored the urgency and widespread concern about the climate crisis.

Among them were healthcare professionals dressed in white coats, carrying a banner proclaiming the correlation between the climate crisis and public health. Laura Sonneveld, a pediatrician, expressed her motivation for participating in the protest, stating, "I'm here standing up for the rights of children. Children are the first to be affected by climate change." Such sentiments reflect the growing recognition that the fight against climate change transcends political divides and must prioritize the well-being of future generations.

With the march drawing to a close, the organizers of the Climate Crisis Coalition issued a statement emphasizing the need for political choices that can address the ongoing crises and steer society towards a sustainable and equitable future. The massive display of public support and the hope that it will impact the election outcome were shared by Margje Weijs, a Spanish teacher and youth coach, who stated, "It is time for us to protest about government decisions. I hope this influences the election."