Thunberg joins large German climate rally ahead of election

By KARIN LAUB and FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Tens of thousands of environmental activists have rallied outside Germany’s parliament two days before the country holds a national election and demanded that politicians take stronger action to curb climate change. The protest outside the Reichstag in Berlin was part of a string of demonstrations held around the world Friday amid dire warnings of dangerous temperature rises unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut sharply. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, whose solo protest in Stockholm inspired the global “climate strike,” spoke at the Berlin rally. German activists have referred to Sunday’s election as the “vote of the century.” They argue that the next government will influence the country’s efforts to tackle climate change for decades to come.