As its New Year's resolution, the UK chapter of the climate movement Extinction Rebellion has vowed to swap controversial methods – using glue, paint and locks – with large-scale protests.
From glueing themselves to artworks and the speaker’s chair in the British House of Commons to riding bicycles on Schiphol airport's tarmac, the group, also known under the abbreviation XR, has made a reputation for itself since it first burst onto the scene four years ago.
While some have welcomed an original and creative approach to climate activism, it has spurred others to reject the movement due to individual annoyances.
"As we ring in the new year, we make a controversial resolution to shift away from public disruption as a primary tactic temporarily. We recognise and celebrate the power of disruption to raise the alarm and believe that constantly evolving tactics is a necessary approach," the group wrote in a statement on Sunday.
"What’s needed most is to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance, to bring about a transition to a fair society that works together to end the fossil fuel era," it added.
On 2 September last year, a group of around 50 people took nonviolent action at the House of Commons. Credit: Extinction Rebellion
Since April 2019, around 2,000 people have been prosecuted for taking part in Extinction Rebellion's actions for "disrupting public order," according to the group's UK branch. Many of the group's actions, aimed at "blaring alarm on the climate and ecological emergency," have frustrated commuters and business owners.
Meanwhile, very little has changed, XR argued. "Emissions continue to rise and our planet is dying at an accelerated rate."
'Radical in our response'
This year, the organisation will prioritise "attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks," putting pressure on politicians in this way. "We must be radical in our response to the crisis and resolute in our efforts to address the climate and ecological emergency, even if it requires a different approach than before."
The first of such actions organised by the group, named "Choose Your Future," will be held on 21 April this year, which it says will see 100,000 people gather in front of the Houses of Parliament in London.
Related News
- Extinction Rebellion stages sit-in in Anderlecht supermarket
- 'Strong signal to EU leaders': Brussels joins worldwide call to phase out fossil fuels
"Surrounding the Houses of Parliament day after day in large numbers means we can leave the locks, glue and paint behind and instead demonstrate faith in a critical mass of people to create a moment that’s impossible to ignore."
