23 Aug 2019 | 09:28 AM UTC
Spain: Climate activists to protest in several cities August 23
Climate activist groups in Spain plan to protest inaction to control the ongoing Amazon fires on August 23; heightened security measures expected
Event
Climate activist groups in Spain are scheduled to hold demonstrations in several cities to call on the Brazilian government to increase efforts to control and prevent wildfires in the Amazon on Friday, August 23. Protests are scheduled in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Salamanca, and Pamplona.
In Madrid, the protest will take place outside the Brazilian Embassy at 12:00 (local time).
In Barcelona, the protest will take place at the Plaça de Sant Jaume at 16:30.
In Valencia, the protest will take place at the Brazilian Consulate at 11:00.
In Salamanca, protesters are holding a die-in at Plaza Mayor beginning at 19:00.
In Pamplona, the protest will take place at Plaza del Castillo at 17:30.
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected at and around all protests.
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 the affected areas 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.
