Breaking Barriers: How One Climate Activist is Paving the Way for Change

CoCo and I shared a meal at a vegan restaurant, opting for the avocado smoothies and some salt and pepper tofu. Initially, we planned to celebrate her first meal out of prison last year with Ethiopian food, but she preferred lunch. “Most protest meetings are at night,” she texted.

CoCo isn’t your typical activist. She grew up voting for the Liberal Party but transformed after a road trip through Australia’s drought-stricken areas. Her turning point came in Melbourne, famously known for activism. During a seminar by Extinction Rebellion, she became frustrated with government inaction on climate issues. “I decided then to devote my life to activism,” she said. “I can’t imagine raising a child in this world unless we change course.”

Her commitment stems from troubling climate research. Experts warn that temperatures rising over 1.5 degrees Celsius can drastically affect ecosystems. In Australia, glaciers are melting, bushfires are increasing, and coral bleaching is rampant on the Great Barrier Reef. Some low-lying island communities are even facing relocation due to rising sea levels.

One of CoCo’s notable protests involved blocking traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On that day, she felt both fear and adrenaline. “Even if the police arrived, we were ready to act,” she recalled. Two of her fellow activists glued themselves to the road as she livestreamed the event.

The backlash was immediate. CoCo received a 15-month prison sentence, raising discussions about anti-protest laws in New South Wales. Interestingly, her uncle, a state MP, pushed for these laws—even knowing it might affect her directly. “We haven’t spoken much since,” she admitted.

CoCo’s upbringing made her journey to activism more compelling. Despite coming from a conservative background, she changed her name to Violet CoCo to reflect her new identity. This transformation mirrored her deeper values, especially as she saw activism as a way to fight for a sustainable future.

Protests often attract criticism for disrupting daily life, but CoCo argues that the message is what truly matters. She believes that the attention generated can shift public attitudes toward climate action, which aligns with research suggesting disruptive activism can strengthen pro-environmental views. However, other studies show a mixed response from the public; many express disapproval of such tactics.

Despite facing adversity, CoCo remains undeterred. She explains, “I’m not here to be liked; I’m here to be effective.” Her most recent protest involved blocking the West Gate Bridge, where she reflected on her willingness to disrupt lives for a greater cause.

The climate crisis can feel overwhelming, especially as newer movements, like pro-Palestine protests, gain traction. Yet she persists, stating, “Even if I feel the energy shifting, I won’t stop.”

CoCo’s journey raises complex questions about activism in today’s world. What price are we willing to pay for a sustainable future? For her, giving up a chance at motherhood remains the toughest choice, one she grapples with daily. As the climate crisis escalates, her story reminds us of the sacrifices people make while striving for meaningful change.



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