As wildlife populations have fallen by 60% since 1970, fossil fuels are still being extracted, the political solutions are tragically insufficient. There has been a rising sense of futility and disconnection from the current paradigm among the public. Riding this wave of dissatisfaction, a new movement has surfaced in the UK with the goal of facing up to this potential catastrophe that we all face. After a rousing few months in England, the message has reached Scotland! But what exactly is Extinction Rebellion, and how could they instigate a change in approach towards global climate change?
Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a non-violent activist organisation with a mission to stop climate change through socio-political pressures, formed from the wellsprings of Rising Up!
a social movement calling for a fundamental change of the political and economic system to one which maximises well-being and minimises harm. ~ Rising UP!
Through strategies developed over many years, XR has organised demonstrations across the country. Inspired in part by the non-violent example of Martin Luther King Jr., XR wants to send a message that people won’t stand for the way things are going and demand that policies are radically altered to avert the worst effects before it’s too late.
They have a set of 3 demands:
- The Government must tell the truth about the climate and wider ecological emergency, reverse inconsistent policies and work alongside the media to communicate with citizens.
- The Government must enact legally binding policy measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to reduce consumption levels.
- A national Citizen’s Assembly to oversee the changes, as part of creating a democracy fit for purpose.
Something interesting about this movement is the people and how they behave towards each other. After hearing about the bridge blockades in London (The Guardian), locals flocked to the inaugural meeting in Edinburgh, such that it was so full that some had to be turned away. Something emblematic of this movement, I think, is the response of those late-comers. Instead of going home, they settled for the nearest warm space to share information, hopes and fears in an incredibly open and unassuming way.
The gatherings foster hope and there is a burning anticipation for impending action after what feels an eternity of stagnation and sterility. For once, people are focusing on an area of common interest. The divisive forces at play in our lives retreat from righteous intention, not capable of overcoming the unity that XR promotes. The members realise that we are all involved in this. This is our planet, and EVERYONE’s responsibility.
In a stimulating discussion after the Declaration of Rebellion outside the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 24th, it was recognised that sufficient change will not come from the top down. “The mainstream climate movements continue to ask politely for gradual policy tweaks. It’s time to recognize that this approach has failed.” One of XR organisers explained to me that “the Scottish government is very good at framing themselves as world leaders on climate change” while they are still beholden to oil concerns and various unsavoury enterprises. “We’re calling them out!” he exclaimed. (Climate Action Scotland)
As someone who has grown accustomed to shutting my mouth about certain issues around my fellow humans (having learned this behaviour the hard way), the effect of being surrounded by people who really care and are willing to go to great lengths to act morally was profound. But what makes this protest movement any different from those others that have failed to bring about the regenerative culture that is so valued?
An important consideration is the support structure as the majority of people involved in a successful campaign are not required to participate. Provided the critical mass is reached, the point can be made. Key roles besides direct activism can range from logistics and distribution of provisions, to spreading the word, everyone plays an important part. Extinction Rebellion is strictly non-violent and does not identify with people who use such tactics.
The focus is on disruption. Roger Hallam has studied effective escalation of activist movements and the tactics of those groups that were successful. In order to be as effective as possible, arrests are necessary. During a demonstration on Lambeth Bridge, Hallam joined others in a circle, paraphrasing Margaret Mead and singing “Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” (The Guardian). Let us hope, for all of our sakes that this small group and others of its kind will prevail.
Great insight into an exciting new movement. I’d love to read more by you Aidan.
I was just checking what ER was up to in Edinburgh and discovered this well written and encouraging piece. All power to the young people!