A 2022 climate demonstration at Volkswagen’s Autostadt visitor center in Wolfsburg, Germany, has resurfaced on X (formerly Twitter), sparking fresh outrage and confusion among users who mistook the old footage for a current event.
In October 2022, nine members of Scientist Rebellion entered the Porsche Pavilion at Autostadt Volkswagen’s theme park and exhibition center showcasing its brands and glued their hands to the floor in a planned act of civil disobedience. The group, an international network of scientists engaging in non-violent direct action for stronger climate policies, targeted Volkswagen to pressure the German government and automakers on transportation emissions.
Scientist Rebellion describes itself as scientists leaving laboratories to demand immediate decarbonization, criticizing governments for insufficient action on climate change. They focused on Germany’s transport sector, particularly the lack of a general Autobahn speed limit and reliance on high-emission vehicles. Germany has long debated imposing a speed limit on its famous highways as a quick way to cut CO2, but political resistance has kept it off the table.
Activists adhered their hands to the pavilion floor in the display section dedicated to the Porsche brand. They urged Volkswagen to pressure politicians into adopting policies that would support the development of green transport, and they asked the German government to abandon its dependency on fossil fuels.
When the visitor center closed for the day, staff followed standard procedures: lights and heating were turned off. The activists remained glued in place. They later reported discomfort from the glue, cold conditions, limited sanitation options, and hunger. Reports indicate Volkswagen staff offered food and water, though the protesters said access was restricted while glued. One activist, Gianluca Grimalda, left after about 24 hours due to hand swelling and was taken to a hospital.
The occupation lasted roughly 42 hours. Police eventually removed the remaining protesters. No serious injuries were reported beyond glue-related irritation.
Social media posts often portray the activists as abandoned and punished by Volkswagen, with lights and heat deliberately cut as retaliation. Available reporting from the time shows this aligned with normal closing protocols for a public exhibition center rather than confirmed deliberate mistreatment.
Volkswagen did not issue an immediate detailed public statement beyond standard security responses, but the company has consistently emphasized its investments in electric vehicles. Activists highlighted their complaints in real-time social media updates. German legal system has dealt with the Scientist Rebellion movement in the form of civil disobedience, making arrests in several cases without any substantial penalties for their activists.
Disruptive climate activist protests organized by movements such as Scientist Rebellion and Last Generation are a regular feature in Germany. Germany is a leader in renewable energies in Europe, but its transport sector still has problems with decarbonization due to emissions from cars. Speed limit debate on the Autobahn is an example of an ongoing issue dividing environmentalists and motorists organizations.
The video footage from the 2022 protest being revived now reflects the fact that videos of past protest videos can rekindle debates online.
