The Extinction Rebellion
In recent years, the pressing issue of the climate crisis has become a global concern. Environmental movements such as the Extinction Rebellion (XR) has heightened public awareness surrounding the environment and our actions. Back in October 2019, XR’s International Rebellion caught the attention of the British public as they took over the streets of London with colourful displays of protest. Despite demonstrations going viral on social media, the group’s overall message and aims appeared to get lost amongst the commotion.
Who are the Extinction Rebellion?
Founded in October 2018, Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that strives to use non-violent protests in an attempt to halt mass extinction. The movement is a result of academic research, with Roger Hallam and Dr Gail Bradbrook at the forefront of the first discussions. As a grassroots movement, XR emphasises the idea that they are ordinary people who ‘care deeply about the world’, highlighting that they are not controlled by any authority. The first assembly took place in Parliament Square on the 31st of October, where 1500 people participated in peaceful civil disobedience. Currently, there are 130 XR groups operating in the UK alone, with many more operating globally.
What is their vision?
As a decentralised movement, Extinction Rebellion emphasises that they do not hold one singular vision. Rather, they believe in the autonomy of individuality, and so accept that every person in XR rebellion will have their own vision. However, they have published an example of a vision statement written in 2019 on their website, which proposes that the world is in crisis and life is under threat. As a response to this crisis, the statement highlights that XR rebels against ecocide, oppression and patriarchy and instead, believes in regeneration, repair and reconciliation. Ultimately, Extinction Rebellion aims to combat the current climate crisis with active peaceful rebellion in order to persuade political institutions to act immediately for the preservation of Earth for future generations.
What are their demands?
Within the UK, XR has three demands:
1)Tell the Truth: XR believes that the government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency. This demand also states that the government should communicate this urgency with other institutions in order to enact change.
2)Act Now: this demand calls for the government to take immediate action in halting biodiversity loss and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
3)Beyond Politics: the government must be led by the decisions of a Citizens Assembly on climate and ecological justice. A Citizens Assembly is a non-governmental organisation made up of ordinary people from across the country. It aims to address issues that electoral politics cannot fix alone. For example, Ireland’s Citizens Assembly ended deadlock on same-sex marriage and abortion. XR believe that a Citizens Assembly will help combat the problem of electoral politics. Particularly, that power in the UK is in the hands of a few people, who make short-term decisions based on the idea that they cannot see past the next election.
What does their symbol mean?
The Extinction symbol was created by street artist ESP in 2011. The outer circle represents Earth whilst the hourglass inside represents how time is running out for many species. The Extinction symbol aims to raise awareness of how human activity is destroying the biodiversity of the planet, which could lead to widespread ecosystem collapse.
What events do Extinction Rebellion hold?
XR holds a variety of events including (but not limited to): meetings, meditations, talks, workshops, marches, samba band practice and festivals. The wide variety of events showcases XR’s emphasis of ordinary people coming together to create change. You can find information of all their events on their website.
How do I join Extinction Rebellion?
XR has many groups operating all over the UK. Their website has an interactive map where you can find a group near you and how to contact them. If there is no group near you to join, XR provides resources on how to start a local group yourself. Alternatively, you can provide your email and receive news and updates regarding the rebellion. You can also donate directly to the movement. You can donate to XR UK to help with raising awareness, train members of fund actions, or you can donate to support arrestees of the movement and help with their legal fees. You can also donate to XR international support to help fund new XR groups globally.