23 Aug 2019 | 09:10 AM UTC
Chile: Climate activists to protest in Santiago August 23
Climate activist groups in Santiago plan to protest inaction to control the ongoing Amazon fires on August 23; heightened security measures expected
Event
Climate activist groups in Santiago are scheduled to hold a demonstration to call on the Brazilian government to increase efforts to control and prevent wildfires in the Amazon on Friday, August 23. The protest will take place outside the Brazilian Embassy starting at 17:00 (local time).
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected at and around the protest.
Context
Wildfires have been burning in the Amazon for several days as of August 23, though some estimates indicate that more than 9500 fires are ongoing in the region. Smog due to the wildfires was reported in São Paulo on August 19 after a combination of smoke, clouds, and a cold front steered the smoke into the city.
Advice
Individuals in Santiago are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstration areas as a precaution, anticipate transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence, and obey instructions issued by the local authorities.
