Protest against banks: “Our world is on fire”
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Spectacular action by the “Koala collective” against the financing of fossil fuels in front of the euro symbol in Frankfurt’s banking district.
The huge lettering that is emblazoned on the stone slabs and under the euro symbol on Willy-Brandt-Platz on Friday afternoon is a message to the banks that reside in the corresponding towers. On an area of more than 300 square meters on the floor in black chalk paint the demand “Stop the financing of fossil fuels!” Can already be seen, although numerous hands are still painting on it.
Activists of the “Koala Collective” and the “Urgewald” association want to protest against the financing of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas by banks. Flames in yellow, red and orange blaze around the letters. Around 20 helpers apply the paint at the same time using paint rollers and spray cans. Music can be heard from a loudspeaker. In addition to those committed to “Greenpeace” and “People for Future”, passers-by could also spontaneously pick up paint and help, reports Kerstin Kreß, spokeswoman for the “Koala Collective”, which campaigns for climate protection.
The painting is part of an international day of action against the financing of fossil fuels. “Today is also World Savings Day, on which private banks advertise while they destroy our livelihood with the money of investors,” says Kress. And further: “The flames behind the lettering mean, for example, that our world is on fire.” People around the world suffered from forest fires and flood disasters. “In order to avert the climate catastrophe, banks are no longer allowed to support expanding fossil fuel companies,” says Kathrin Petz from the “Urgewald” association, which has been committed to environmental protection and human rights since 1992. She adds: “We expect the German banks to quickly implement effective exclusion policies for coal, oil and gas.”
Above the burning lettering, the activists have wrapped the logos of Sparkasse, Commerz- and Deutscher Bank and the letters “ECB” for European Central Bank in clouds of black, purple and yellow smoke that rise from the letters of the lettering as if from power plant chimneys, reports Kerstin Kreß. The ECB, which regulated the private banks, announced climate protection measures, but did not implement them. Kreß demands against actions: “No more lip service and greenwashing.”
Dieter Müller-Nöhring, who found out about the campaign on the Internet and is currently painting the black “e” from “fuel”, has worked in the banking sector himself, reports the 64-year-old. Now he wants to “stop investments in coal and fossil industries”. The Steinbacher: “When I see how deeply the banks are involved and how naive we were in the 90s when it comes to growth, I really don’t see it in black if things continue like this.” Painting in spite of the only temporarily adhering chalk paint WILL BE able to be seen even longer, although rain is announced for the coming day.