Extinction Rebellion

Definition

Extinction Rebellion is a global environmental movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action on climate change and ecological collapse. Founded in the UK in 2018, it aims to raise awareness about the climate crisis, demanding that governments and institutions take immediate and effective measures to reduce carbon emissions and preserve biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction Rebellion was founded in October 2018 by a group of activists and academics in London, seeking to address the urgency of the climate crisis through direct action.
2. The movement employs tactics such as mass protests, road blockades, and sit-ins to disrupt everyday life and draw attention to environmental issues.
3. One of the key demands of Extinction Rebellion is for governments to declare a climate emergency and take immediate actions to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2025.
4. The group promotes inclusivity, urging participation from individuals of all backgrounds and emphasizing the importance of community organizing in fighting for ecological justice.
5. Extinction Rebellion has gained international traction, with chapters established in numerous countries, highlighting its global appeal and the universal nature of the climate crisis.

Review Questions

• How does Extinction Rebellion utilize civil disobedience in its approach to addressing climate change?
  • Extinction Rebellion employs civil disobedience by staging nonviolent protests that intentionally disrupt public order to raise awareness about the climate crisis. This includes actions such as road blockades and sit-ins, which aim to capture media attention and galvanize public support. By challenging societal norms through these disruptive tactics, they seek to put pressure on governments and institutions to respond more urgently to environmental challenges.
• Discuss the significance of community engagement within Extinction Rebellion's strategy for promoting climate action.
  • Community engagement is a cornerstone of Extinction Rebellion's strategy, as the movement encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate actively in their local chapters. This inclusivity fosters a sense of collective responsibility for environmental issues while empowering people to take meaningful action within their own communities. By prioritizing grassroots organizing, Extinction Rebellion builds a broader base of support for its demands and encourages collaborative efforts toward ecological justice.
• Evaluate the impact of Extinction Rebellion on global conversations about climate change and policy reform.
  • Extinction Rebellion has significantly influenced global discussions on climate change by elevating urgency through their high-profile protests and clear messaging about the climate emergency. Their insistence on immediate government action and transparency has pressured policymakers to reconsider existing strategies. Additionally, the movement has sparked new dialogues around climate justice, engaging more people in conversations about systemic inequities related to environmental degradation, thus reshaping policy reform agendas on an international scale.

Related terms

Civil Disobedience: A form of protest where individuals deliberately disobey laws or regulations to highlight injustice and prompt change.

Climate Justice: The concept that climate change affects marginalized communities disproportionately and that those communities should be at the forefront of decision-making processes related to environmental policies.

Nonviolent Resistance: A method of protest that seeks to achieve social or political change without the use of violence, often involving peaceful demonstrations and civil disobedience.