Thousands urge climate action at Brussels demo

Thousands of people participated in the annual National Climate March in Brussels, demonstrating in front of the European Council and European Commission buildings. The protest was organized to demand more action against climate change as the world prepares for the upcoming UN summit. The march took place against the backdrop of record heatwaves across Europe this month, raising concerns about the impact of human-induced climate change on the continent.

Delegates from around the globe are set to meet in Antalya, Turkey, next month for the COP gathering, but expectations for any major breakthroughs are low. This is due to the US under President Donald Trump disengaging from the process, and waning momentum in Europe. Concern is high among the population, not just among the protesters, according to economist Etienne de Callatay, who attended the march.

He stated that extreme heat experienced during the summer is a clear indication that politicians should not be afraid of electoral repercussions if they take bold steps on environmental issues.

Following a letdown last year in Brazil, the European Union is aiming for a more modest outcome in next month's COP31. With the US withdrawing from the negotiations, international efforts to combat global warming have already suffered a setback. Now, the situation appears even bleaker as surging energy prices have given major oil and gas producers more power, making them less inclined to discuss phasing out fossil fuels.

The EU claims to be the global leader on climate action and the primary international donor in the field. However, the bloc arrives at the COP having recently weakened its own environmental legislation. As it grapples with competition from China and the United States, Brussels has adopted a business-friendly approach. Most recently, the commission proposed delaying the implementation of a law targeting methane, a potent greenhouse gas, by a year, from 2027 to 2028.