Generation REsolute:

Eco-Protesters and climate change extremism. A rebel with a cause or a cause for concern? 

 Climate change is an issue that is very close to our hearts here at The Candle Carousel and like others, we have our own set of environmental goals to meet in the hope of shrinking our carbon footprint. With the hottest days on record taking place this week, we’ve been waxing lyrical about how climate change issues are being highlighted and whether this type of protest is doing more harm than good. After eco-protesters were subjected to physical violence this week by frustrated German motorists just trying to get from A to B, we raise the question could we be tackling climate change more efficiently and is there a more effective approach? 

Is All Attention Good Attention?

 Protesting is one way to get your point across and unfortunately for German motorists trying to go about their day, eco-protesters decided to disrupt a highway in order to get the attention of the government regarding climate change issues. At the very core of the protests are good people simply trying to get their opinions heard in the hope that a positive change will be made. But are these protests gaining any traction or only serving to be a nuisance to other members of the public? Climate change is, of course, a subject that many people care about but is disrupting someone’s journey to work, quickest route to the hospital or access to the airport really the answer? It is brave to stand up for what you believe in, especially if there is a chance of getting hurt during your crusade for change but we believe that violence is and never should be the answer. In our opinion, there simply has to be another way to get our views in front of those who matter.

Mayhem, Chaos and Violence: What’s the Alternative?

 So if violence isn’t the answer but humane methods don’t feature on anyone’s radar, what’s the next step? What we are left with is the niggling and frustrating feeling of not doing enough. Eco-protesters are putting their safety on the line to save the planet and there is some admiration in that but if you aren’t willing to participate, the only option left open to you is to sign endless petitions in the hope that government officials will take notice. Perhaps if enough people came together, extremists, general public and large organisations that already held some weight in these sectors and confronted governments to address that the people’s concerns, wants and needs are not being heard, would the government listen in the public exchange for no more climate extremism?

 Mother Theresa famously said that while she was an advocate for peace, she would never take part in an anti-war rally. She said when there was a peace rally, she would be there with bells on. This is because anti-war protests usually end in mayhem and violence is a clear theme, which is something she did not condone. But is there a more peaceful and humane way to fight climate change and be heard? The answer is unclear but but what isn’t unclear is that Mother Nature does not have the luxury of time.