It has almost been a month since the protests started. Since mid-July, activists have been there every day to plug the trenches and block the backhoes from breaking up the peat. During Friday afternoon, they will take another step and will inaugurate a new unofficial nature reserve on the site.
Greenhouse gases are released – when peat is broken up
Peat is mined from the ground to be used in regular arable soil and for energy combustion. One meter of peat takes a thousand years to create and during the entire process the peat binds greenhouse gases. These gases are released into the atmosphere when peat is removed from the ground.
Although it is only a small part of the negative impact on the climate, Amelie Lindgren, researcher in ecosystem science, believes that all types of emissions must be reduced.
– One has to think, how important is peat mining to continue? Should it be allowed to continue while everything else is to be reduced?
Police were called – the organization wants to complete the protests
During previous actions, police have had to come to the scene to remove people. The organization hopes that there will be a large turnout at the inauguration of the unofficial nature reserve and that they will be allowed to continue the protests.