Britain: Extinction Rebellion activists change tack – Little has changed, they say

Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion has announced it will temporarily stop using public nuisance tactics in Britain that have angered businesses and disrupted public transport over the past four years because “very little has changed”.

Hundreds of activists from the group have been arrested for blocking traffic, sticking their hands or feet to buildings and roads, and spray-painting buildings, but despite their efforts they say “little has changed – the gas emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise and our planet is dying at an accelerated rate.”

The UK branch of the organization said this year it would prioritize “participation over arrests and relationships over roadblocks”.

The announcement of the organization

In a statement the organization said: “As we enter the new year, we are making a controversial decision to temporarily move away from public disruption as our primary tactic. We recognize and welcome the power of disruption to sound the alarm and believe that ever-evolving tactics are a necessary approach. What is most needed now is to disrupt the abuse of power and imbalance, to bring about a transition to a just society that works together to end the fossil fuel era.

Our politicians, addicted to greed and bloated with profits, will not do it without pressure. We must be radical in our response to this crisis and resolute in our efforts to respond to the climate and ecological emergency, even if that means taking a different approach than before.”

Extinction Rebellion has called for 100,000 people to surround the British Parliament from April 21.

He says he is now taking this step because “multiple crises” have helped make this an opportunity to “seize the moment”.

Activists believe issues such as the cost of living crisis and ongoing strikes can help provide “an ideal opportunity to mobilize and move beyond traditional divisions”.