in the UK, the controversial actions of environmental activists to warn about the climate

In front of the court, a handful of them came this time to support their friends summoned by justice and who received an injunction for having blocked roads. Standing behind an “Insulate britain” banner, the name of their movement that emerged just a few weeks ago, they are demanding an end to energy strainers, these poorly insulated homes. The poorest suffer from it on a daily basis and the cost of energy is high.

Ruth, an environmental activist since the 1970s, is convinced that these punchy actions are necessary. “I campaigned, marched. I wrote to my deputy, I met him. I fought as a city councilor. And the climate still escapes us. So you say to yourself that we must do more. Go further than most people. It raises public awareness. We realize that it is serious. “

“This country started the industrial revolution so sort of climate change. We have a moral obligation.”

Ruth, environmental activist

to franceinfo

To make themselves heard, the activists, dressed in fluorescent vests, sit on the roads and highways to interrupt traffic, causing huge traffic jams. The tone rises regularly with motorists. That day, we are close to the drama. An exasperated driver is on the verge of crushing a woman sitting in front of her car.

These scenes are shocking and Boris Johnson was quick to attack these protesters, calling them “irresponsible surly”. The Conservative Prime Minister even welcomed “new measures” announced providing“isolate comfortably in prison, where they should be”, those he does not hesitate to qualify as “nuisance”.

A reaction that makes Reverend Mark Coleman smile. This priest is one of these activists: “They don’t scare us. We are interested in science and faith. Science is clear on this subject. Faith is simple: love God, love your neighbor. You cannot love him if you do. doom to an atrocious future. The government must act. ” To the question “would you block an ambulance?”, One of the leaders of the movement replied in the affirmative. A statement that shocks and does not achieve unanimity within its own troops.

The situation promises to be tense in Glasgow in November, where a gathering of 50,000 to 100,000 people is scheduled on the sidelines of the two weeks of COP26, the world climate conference. Scottish Police, who will deploy 10,000 officers every day, have warned action will be taken “when the protest begins to interfere with the ability of the conference to function”.

Radical environmentalists in the UK: report by Richard Place

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