Global climate strikes, environmental protests in February 2022

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - Protests and strikes against environmental degradation continued across the globe in February, with demonstrators demanding more decisive action to tackle climate change.

Activists and netizens continued online campaigns and street protests, while keeping socially distant due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The events included Fridays for Future's weekly protests, which were launched in 2018 by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, as well as protests against oil companies and mine projects.

Below is a timeline of protests and demonstrations compiled by Anadolu Agency:

Feb. 1:

- Climate activists express concern over media reports and video footage on social media showing an oil spill in Latin America reaching the banks of the Coca River, which could affect 60,000 people who depend on the river's water.

Feb. 3:

- Five environmental activists from Insulate Britain group are sentenced to prison for failing to comply with a court order prohibiting roadblocking.

Feb. 4:

- During the first Fridays for Future strike of the month, climate activists and environmental protesters continue to raise awareness about climate change, with nonprofit organizations supporting their efforts.

- Greta Thunberg, along with other climate activists, protest the proposed Kallak mine project in Jokkmokk, Sweden.

Feb. 5:

- Climate activists around the world organized rallies to hold Spanish energy and petrochemical company Repsol accountable for its "late reaction" in containing the oil spill in Peru.

Feb. 10:

- Climate activists hold a social media campaign against international oil companies after France's Total announces its €15 billion (approximately $16.9 billion) profit last year.

Feb. 11:

- On the second Fridays for Future strike of the month, climate activists and environmental protesters continue to raise awareness on climate change and environmental issues.

- Serbian activists gather outside the Presidency in Belgrade to protest the increasing effects of air pollution in the Balkan region and ask the government to pass a law to prevent the exploration and exploitation of lithium and boron.

Feb. 15:

Environmental activists stage another protest in Serbia's capital to protest persistent air pollution that affects numerous Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia.

Feb. 18:

- Fridays for Future holds the third strike of the month, with climate activists and environmental protesters raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues.

Feb. 19:

- Climate and environmental groups call on people across the world to join a global strike for "#PeopleNotProfit" on March 25.

Feb. 25:

- During the last Fridays for Future strike of the month, climate and environmental activists continue protesting for action on climate change and the environment, demanding more action from world leaders.

Feb. 27:

- The Fridays for Future movement extends solidarity to Ukraine, saying: "As a movement, we stand against war, occupation, and its colonial & imperialist nature. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."