Climate Activists’ Attempt to Vandalize Private Jet on Sylt Foiled

On Saturday morning, climate activists from the group “Letzte Generation” (Last Generation) made headlines once again with a failed attempt to vandalize a private jet at the Sylt Airport on the North Sea island. The activists aimed to draw attention to the role of the wealthy in contributing to climate change but were thwarted by quick intervention from airport staff.

The Incident

The activists managed to cut through the airport’s fence to gain access to the tarmac, where they attempted to spray paint the words “Oil kills” on a parked private jet. However, their plans were quickly interrupted by airport employees, who prevented the vandalism from taking place. The two women involved in the protest glued themselves to the ground near the jet, but they were soon detached and taken away by the police. A third activist, who had been caught at the fence, was also detained.

In an effort to shield the scene from onlookers, firefighters placed two large fire trucks around the jet. Despite the disruption, airport operations continued as scheduled, and no flights were delayed due to the protest.

Previous Actions and Motivations

This isn’t the first time the “Letzte Generation” has targeted the Sylt Airport. In June 2023, members of the group managed to spray paint a private jet with orange paint and glued themselves to the aircraft, causing significant damage estimated at over one million euros. The group claims that millionaires and billionaires disproportionately contribute to climate change through their use of private jets, luxury cars, and yachts. They argue that legislative action is necessary to curb these emissions, as the wealthy are unlikely to voluntarily reduce their carbon footprint.

The Response

Christian Bergemann, a spokesperson for the “Letzte Generation,” acknowledged the failure of the recent protest but remained undeterred, stating, “The protest today on Sylt didn’t go as planned, but that happens sometimes. It doesn’t mean we’ll stop.” The group has been known for their radical tactics, including blocking roads and staging disruptive protests, to push for urgent climate action.

The Sylt protest is part of a broader campaign by the “Letzte Generation” to highlight the environmental impact of the wealthy and to demand stricter regulations to combat climate change. The group’s actions have sparked controversy and debate, with some supporting their cause and others criticizing their methods.

As investigations into the incident continue, the “Letzte Generation” has made it clear that they intend to persist in their efforts, regardless of setbacks. The debate over the role of the affluent in driving climate change is likely to intensify as similar actions continue across Germany.