Activists replace posters in central Lisbon to protest fossil fuels

Activists from the group Climáximo have replaced about a dozen advertising posters in central Lisbon with images condemning the continued use of fossil fuels and the construction of a new airport, the organization said this Saturday.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, these environmental activists demand “the immediate cessation of all unnecessary flights, in particular Lisbon-Porto; stop all advertising and sponsorships that legitimize the fossil market in all public places; a sharp decline in the aviation industry; and also canceling the new airport because it is a project, like any project, that increases emissions, deaths and climate collapse.”

Among the new messages posted on the advertising platforms of Cais do Sodré and Praça da Figueira bus stops are: “Public space free of fossil fuels”, “More airports: the path to climate collapse”, “New direction: direct flight into climate chaos” ” and “End fossil fuel advertising.”

According to Climáximo, the initiative is part of an international week of action against airline advertising, sponsorship and greenwashing, coordinated by Stay Grounded and the Badvertising project.

In a conversation with Lusa, representatives of the Metropolitan Police Department of Lisbon Public Security (PSP) admitted that until now they were not aware of the situation.

Climáximo spokeswoman Leonor Canadas pointed to the profits of companies and world governments from the climate crisis, but did not forget the group of 11 activists who will begin trial on Monday at the Justice Campus in Lisbon over their protests. over the past few months, announcing “April Assemblies” to show solidarity and consider new actions.

“While they remain unpunished for their crimes against humanity, those who are fighting for their lives and peacefully resisting the destruction of all that matters will face trial ahead of April 25 and may be sentenced to a year in prison,” he said. in statements cited in the group’s statement.