Tens of thousands march in Brussels demanding urgent climate action

Police estimated the turnout at 45,000 , while organisers put the figure at 60,000 . Among the banners and placards, protesters carried a giant inflatable screaming globe to give the Earth a human voice and demand urgent climate action . Organised by the Climate Coalition and other environmental groups, the march ended near the EU institutions . Demonstrators called for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies , higher taxes on the industry, and a fair transition to cleaner energy . The demonstration followed a summer of record-breaking temperatures and repeated heatwaves across Europe. Belgium also experienced deadly heat , while wildfires hit the High Fens nature reserve. Expectations for COP31 remain low .