Environmental activists set up a camp in the surrounding forest Tesla Inc.‘S TSLA Gigafactory Berlin, in the latest round of controversy over the German activities of the electric vehicle giant.
What happened: Activists from an environmental group called ROBIN WOOD protest against the planned expansion of the Tesla factory in Grünheide, Brandenburg.
They occupied a pine forest near the factory site and built a wooden platform, calling for a halt to the expansion and to focus on a “climate-friendly mobility transition”.
In a press release, the group pointed out that a recent survey of Grünheide residents showed that the majority (63.5%) voted against Tesla’s expansion, with a high turnout of more than 70%.
“We are here today to show the red card to Tesla boss Elon Musk and everyone who is helping him make his gigafactory even bigger,” the group said in its note. “The forest must remain!”
ROBIN WOOD said he would host a free trial climbing event at the protest site on Sunday and take part in a larger demonstration against the expansion next week.
See also: Everything you need to know about Tesla stock
Interestingly, according to images shared by the group, the activists appear to have camped in a managed forest and not a natural forest.
Because matter: This protest comes on the heels of a series of environmental concerns surrounding Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin.
Local authorities recently accused Tesla of polluting Berlin’s drinking water supply, leading to calls to shut down its wastewater line. Additionally, local citizens voted against Tesla’s plans to cut down trees for the factory expansion.
Despite these challenges, Tesla’s production at the plant is increasing, with Model Y production reportedly hitting a new high of 6,000 units weekly.
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Photo courtesy: Robin Wood
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