Revolt! Farmers get tough against climate rules threatening livelihoods

Dutch farmers used tractors to block roads and supermarket distribution networks to protest government-mandated emissions reductions that threaten their livelihoods on Monday.

Over forty thousand farmers have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest climate-related regulations that the Dutch ruling coalition itself concedes would force upwards of 30% of farmers out of business, DW reported. Farmers have dumped hay bales on roads, left manure outside government officials’ homes and blocked highways and other critical infrastructure to protest the regulations, The Associated Press reported.

“The honest message … is that not all farmers can continue their business,” the government said in a June statement announcing the new emissions targets. The farmers contend that they are being unfairly targeted by the regulations and losing out on their future prospects, the AP reported.

The Netherlands’ largest airport urged its travelers on Monday to use public transportation to get to its terminals amid fears that the farmers’ blockades would target airports, and fishermen have also blocked a number of harbors this week in solidarity with farmers, the Associated Press reported. – READ MORE