Around 200 people claim the term "climate alarmist" during a rally in Brussels

About 200 people gathered in Brussels, organized by the Grandparents for Climate and Grootouders voor het Klimaat associations, to reclaim the term "climate alarmist." The demonstration aimed to protest the perceived lack of firm action by Belgian governments in the face of the climate emergency.

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This action is very important, because we realize that a movement, which was launched by young people, needs to be relaunched.

Bruno Goffart, co-founder of Grandparents for Climate, stated the action was crucial to relaunch a movement initially started by young people. "We truly feel that our humanity is being put in danger," he said. The event drew support from organizations like Greenpeace, Bond Beter Leefmilieu, and Amnesty International, along with the Groen party and its president, Aimen Horch. Former VRT journalist Nic Balthazar hosted the rally.

Activists sang songs adapted to the occasion, seeking to reappropriate the label "climate alarmist." Organizers explained that this term has long been used to discredit activists warning about heatwaves, droughts, and natural disasters. They now assert that alerting others to real danger is a responsibility, not pessimism. They also condemned the authorities' passivity, arguing that fossil fuel industry profits continue to rise while environmental concerns are ignored.

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We truly feel that our humanity is being put in danger.

"We want them to have a long-term vision for young people. That is what we expect from the authorities," Goffart affirmed. "It is more than time to call them out. They show responsibility regarding the budget, but there is more than just the budget in life. There is life itself. They seem to completely ignore it. We are here to remind them."

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We want them to have a long-term vision for young people. That is what we expect from the authorities.

Hugo Van Dienderen, co-president of Grootouders voor het Klimaat, accused Belgian politicians of acting as "accomplices" to major companies responsible for 70% of global emissions. He alleged these companies hinder the development of greener products. The organizers urged widespread participation in the upcoming climate march on October 11.

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It is more than time to call them out. They show responsibility regarding the budget, but there is more than just the budget in life. There is life itself. They seem to completely ignore it. We are here to remind them.