Extinction Rebellion, abbreviated as XR, is a peaceful activism movement with an iconic logo seeking to influence global environmental policies to minimize climate change and reduce the likelihood of human extinction in the relatively near future.
Created in the United Kingdom in May 2018 after a highly readable declaration of principles signed by almost 100 intellectuals, scientists and public figures, XR is calling for a credible plan for the rapid total decarbonization of the economy by 2025, for governments tell the truth to people, and for a truly participatory democracy. At the moment, in addition to the United Kingdom, where it has been in the headlines in recent days, their chapters in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, The Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland and the United States and there is an open call for participation in other countries.
The movement chimes with those of the school students of Climate Strike and has been endorsed by Greta Thunberg, and you can be sure XR will soon be active wherever you are. It is the logical result of our governments’ breach of the social contract in doing nothing about global warming, and justifying their inaction by saying that nothing can be done or simply doing too little, too late.
Decarbonizing the economy by 2025 would mean removing 38 million diesel and gasoline vehicles from the roads and disconnecting 26 million gas boilers in six years. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit says this is “… an ambition that technically, economically and politically has absolutely no chance of being fulfilled,” but even so, it supports the movement and its actions as a form of activism. XR’s radical approach is very much “be realistic: demand the impossible,” but that does not make it any less interesting, or less necessary. Idealistic yes, but certainly serious, and whose goals are backed by many experts and that can certainly do a lot to raise awareness.
Environmental activism has now moved to its next phase, and will soon be on the political agenda, starving the deniers and the irresponsible of oxygen. It's important to be responsible and take action. We are going to see more and more movements such as Extinction Rebellion, Plan B Earth or Climate Strike around the world as the evidence of the true scale of the destruction we face becomes clearer. If for no other reason than self-interest, politicians and business leaders who think they can continue playing down the issue of climate change or just plain ignore it should give some thought to their own futures.
