“Es brennt” movement to form human chains for climate and democracy

On October 3, 2026, coinciding with German Unity Day, participants across Germany and parts of Belgium will form human chains as part of the “Es brennt” (It is burning) movement. The central chain is planned to stretch from the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe to the Chancellery in Berlin, involving nearly 100 organizations.

Local demonstrations are scheduled in various cities, including Bayreuth and a segment extending from Kelmis to the Aachen Cathedral. The Aachen group noted that the inclusion of Kelmis reflects a cross-border connection to Belgium, particularly following recent forest fires in the High Fens.

The movement presents five primary demands to policymakers: strict adherence to the Basic Law, preservation of life foundations, prioritizing social welfare over profit, the primacy of renewable energies, and structural changes in mobility, nutrition, and housing. Organizers cite extreme heat and rising wealth inequality as drivers for the mobilization.