Human chain at climate crisis march

BRUSSELS: Thousands of people holding hands formed a human chain in central Brussels on Sunday to draw public attention to the need for urgent, joint action against climate change.

Some 2,400 people took part in the peaceful demonstration, police said, which encircled the Belgian federal parliament and the Royal Palace.

The two-hour demonstration took place as policymakers from around the world gather in Madrid for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“The main purpose is to ask for more climate ambition and for the federal government to tackle the climate crisis,” said Julie Van Houtryve, spokeswoman for one of the organisers, Climate Coalition in Belgium.

“We need solidarity and cooperation between governments and politicians in Belgium.”

TIGHTER POLICIES COULD ERASE $2.3 TN Tighter government climate regulations by 2025 could wipe up to $2.3 trillion off the value of companies in industries ranging from fossil fuel producers to agriculture and car makers, an investor group warned .

Rules aimed at lowering carbon emissions are expected to accelerate in the coming years as countries scramble to meet obligations under the 2015 Paris climate agreement limiting global warming.

Any abrupt policy shifts risk severely disrupting current investment strategies, said Principles of Responsible Investing, a United Nations-backed group of investors. REUTERS