5 months ago
19
NEW DELHI: In a bold display of
climate activism
, protesters targeted the historic Stonehenge monument, covering it with orange paint to draw attention to the pressing issue of
climate change
. The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, has sparked a mix of outrage and support from the public and officials alike.
The activists, part of the group
Just Stop Oil
, aimed to highlight the urgent need for action against climate change.
"We are running out of time," one protester exclaimed. "Our government is failing us, and we need to take drastic measures to wake people up to the reality of the climate crisis."
However, Just Stop Oil has drawn widespread criticism following their protests at Stonehenge and Stansted Airport, highlighting the escalation in their
activism tactics
. These actions come as part of a broader campaign to force the UK government to halt all fossil fuel exploration and production.
In a series of high-profile stunts over the past few years, Just Stop Oil has been accused of being “terrorists” and called “pathetic” by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. They have angered various groups and faced accusations of being a "false-flag" group working with the oil companies they oppose, a report in the Independent said.
As per the Independent report, here are some of the key protests by Just Stop Oil activists:
Valentine’s Day Ultimatum (2022):
Louis McKechnie and Hannah Hunt delivered a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, demanding an immediate halt to all future fossil fuel licensing and consents. They warned of intervention if their demands were not met by March 14, 2022.
Captain Tom Statue Defaced (October 2022):
An activist poured human waste over a memorial to Captain Tom Moore in Derbyshire. Madeleine Budd, 21, received a 21-week suspended sentence for this act.
M25 and Dartford Crossing Protests (October 2022):
Activists staged 32 days of disruption on roads, leading to 677 arrests. Morgan Trowland and Marcus Decker were jailed for nearly three years each after scaling the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, causing a 40-hour road closure.
Van Gogh's Sunflowers Defaced (October 2022):
Protesters threw tomato soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at the National Gallery. The painting, worth £72.5 million, was unharmed due to its protective glass cover.
King Charles Waxwork Vandalized (October 2022):
Protesters threw vegan cake over King Charles III’s waxwork at Madame Tussauds. Eilidh McFadden and Tom Johnson were convicted of criminal damage and fined.
Les Miserables Performance Disrupted (October 2022):
Protesters stormed the stage during a performance of Les Miserables in London’s West End, leading to the conviction and community service sentences for five activists.
These protests have sparked intense debate about the balance between peaceful activism and disruptive behavior in the fight against climate change. Just Stop Oil's tactics continue to polarize public opinion, reflecting the growing urgency and desperation among climate activists.
