Davos to kick off amid climate change protests

By Aysu Bicer

DAVOS, Switzerland (AA) - The 50th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) will launch amid harsh protests on Tuesday.

Hundreds of demonstrators from different cities in Switzerland took to motorways 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Davos on Monday.

"I am here today to say that WEF has ruined our planet, instead of creating it," said Deborah Bugmann, one of the protest leaders who participated in a koala costume, a reference to Australia's recent deadly wildfires.

She accused corporates representing the WEF of destroying the world, saying: "That's why we are here."

Noting that the demonstrators were not allowed in Davos, where the WEF will be held, Bugmann said: "However, we do not ask for permission. This is about a life and death, it's about all the life of humanity."

- Global risks report

According to the findings of the WEF's Global Risks Report 2020, the top five global risks in terms of likelihood are all related to the environment.

The report said risks including extreme weather events with major damage to property, infrastructure, loss of human life were at alarming levels.

It added that human-made environmental damage and disasters, including environmental crime, such as oil spills, and radioactive contamination severely depleted resources.

- Some strict security measures

Swiss authorities have taken tight security measures around Davos, inspecting roads and railways linking the town, and posting snipers on tall buildings and hills as helicopters buzz above.

Civilians coming to Davos are tightly searched, with laptops, bags and metal items being scanned in X-ray devices.

The fact that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the summit causes the security measures to be made more tightly.