(RepublicanReport.org) – According to the National Christmas Tree Association, about 25 to 30 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. Germany isn’t far behind, with 29.8 million Christmas trees sold in the country in 2019. Like America, the holiday trees are on display not only in people’s homes but in public places across the European country this time of year in celebration of the season. This year, however, some of those trees were under attack.
On December 13, Newsweek reported that protestors spraypainted Christmas trees orange in Berlin, Oldenburg, Munich, Kiel, Rostock, Nuremberg, and Leipzig. The activists from the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) did so to shine a light on climate change. The group encouraged others to join them in peacefully protesting to stop the world from getting hotter, noting the people couldn’t count on “government or corporations” to save the planet. They called for “civil disobedience” and for others to “take action.”
According to Newsweek, the Climate Emergency Fund in Los Angeles finances the Letzte Generation. The group wants to stop the German government from using fossil fuels and establish a council to address climate change issues in the country.
This isn’t the first time the Letzte Generation has taken a stand. In April, hundreds of group members blocked several roads in Berlin during rush hour. The Guardian reported that the head of the police union, Rainer Wendt, said the city is too easy on protestors who cause disruption. He called for harsher punishments. Wendt said activists choose Berlin for that very reason. In May, German police raided 15 properties used by the climate activist group. According to Time, the authorities seized evidence and bank accounts and froze assets used by the group.
Still, members of the Letzte Generation feel they have no choice but to push back. They believe they are fighting for their lives and a “peaceful future.”
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