As the climate group Just Stop Oil brings its three-year campaign of civil resistance to a close, a growing movement is sounding the alarm: continuing to promote oil amidst climate action efforts is a recipe for disaster.
After three years of disruptive protests, the climate group Just Stop Oil has announced that they are ending their campaign of civil resistance. The announcement was made by Hannah Hunt, one of the founding members of the group, outside Downing Street in London.
The 'Just Stop Oil' movement is a UK-based campaign aiming to halt new fossil fuel projects.
Launched in 2020, the group has gained significant attention for its direct action protests, including gluing themselves to roads and trains.
The movement's focus is on pressuring governments to meet their climate commitments, particularly through the transition away from oil.
Statistics show that the UK's oil production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a 2020 report, the UK's oil industry emits around 40 million tons of CO2 annually.
The group’s demand to end new oil and gas has now become government policy, making them one of the most successful civil resistance campaigns in recent history. They have successfully kept over 4.4 billion barrels of oil in the ground while courts have ruled new oil and gas unlawful. ‘three years after bursting on the scene in a blaze of orange, at the end of April the Just Stop Oil campaign will be hanging up the hi-vis.’
However, Hunt emphasized that ‘it’s time to change.’ The group is heading towards a 2C increase in global heating by the coming decade, resulting in billions of deaths, mass civil unrest, and social collapse. Meanwhile, corporations and billionaires are using their power to punch down on the weak and vulnerable.
Despite ending their street protests, Just Stop Oil plans to continue taking actions until a final protest in Parliament Square on 26 April. After that, the campaign will shift its focus ‘in the courts and in the prisons.’ Any new protest movement devised by supporters will appear under a new banner with a new strategy.
Will McCallum, co-director of Greenpeace UK, warned that ‘Just Stop Oil paid a heavy price for raising their voices at a time when politicians and corporations are trying to silence peaceful protesters.’ The hard-won right to protest is essential, as it is the foundation upon which all other rights depend.
Greenpeace UK is a non-governmental organization that focuses on environmental issues and sustainability.
Founded in 1971, it is part of the global Greenpeace network.
The organization campaigns for environmental protection, including deforestation, climate change, and animal welfare.
Greenpeace UK uses non-violent direct action to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues.
It also conducts research, lobbying, and advocacy work to influence policy changes.
Laws have been passed in recent years making it increasingly difficult and risky to carry out disruptive protests. New offences, such as interfering with key national infrastructure and causing a public nuisance, have been used to criminalize climate activists and sentence them to long jail terms. Dozens of protesters have been jailed, including five supporters of Just Stop Oil who were given multi-year sentences for planning road-block protests on the M25.
The emergence of new groups that operate clandestinely, targeting organizations responsible for contributing to climate breakdown, has also become a concern. As Greenpeace UK cautions, ‘we must not allow our hard-won right to protest to be stripped away.’ The fight against climate change will continue, but it is essential to preserve the fundamental right to peaceful protest.
Climate activism has gained significant momentum in recent years, with widespread protests and demonstrations demanding action from governments and corporations.
According to a 2020 survey, 62% of Gen Z respondents consider climate change the most important issue facing the world today.
The movement is driven by concerns over rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and their devastating impact on ecosystems and human societies.
Key figures like Greta Thunberg have become prominent voices in the movement, advocating for immediate policy changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
