Unstoppable Climate Activist: Bridging Gaps for a Greener Future

CoCo and I decide to meet for lunch, and she suggests we try an avocado smoothie, sharing some salt and pepper tofu and sizzling “beef” at Huong Viet Vegan. CoCo is vegan; I choose to keep my usual meat-heavy diet to myself.

Originally, we planned for Ethiopian food since it marks her first meal out of prison last year. But the restaurant only opens in the evening. “Day works best for me,” she texts. “Most of our protest planning meetings happen at night.”

CoCo has made headlines as a dedicated climate activist. Since her early days in an ACT prison, she has been arrested multiple times for protesting, including blocking major bridges. Interestingly, she once voted for the Liberal Party, far from her current ideals.

Her journey toward activism started during a road trip across drought-stricken Australia. It was in Melbourne, known for its protests, where she felt a strong pull toward environmental causes. A pivotal moment was a seminar by Extinction Rebellion, which deeply angered her about the lack of political action on climate issues. “I made a choice to devote my life to this instead of starting a family,” she shares. “I can’t bring a child into a world facing such challenges.”

CoCo’s concerns are supported by climate science. Research shows that if global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 degrees, the consequences for ecosystems and human societies will be severe. We’re already witnessing alarming phenomena: glaciers melting, frequent bushfires, and rising sea levels forcing people from their homes.

This urgency drove CoCo to park a truck on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2022, leading to significant traffic chaos. At that moment, her nerves turned into adrenaline, as she felt a rush of purpose amidst the protests. “Even if you see flashing lights, you just stop and become a part of the blockade,” she recalls.

Her actions garnered mixed reactions. While CoCo believes disruption raises awareness, surveys show public opinion on such tactics is split. Some feel it strengthens their pro-climate stance, while others see it as detrimental. A study from Yale University suggested that disruptive protests can indeed heighten environmental awareness. However, a similar survey found that around 46% of people felt such tactics decreased their support for climate initiatives.

Despite backlash from commuters and the threat of legal troubles, CoCo is resolute. “I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to be effective,” she asserts. Even after spending months in prison, her passion hasn’t waned. “Each protest comes with difficult choices. For instance, during my protest at the West Gate Bridge, a woman gave birth on the roadside due to traffic delays. I felt terrified about that,” she admits. “But I believe it’s for a greater cause.”

Interestingly, her upbringing plays a role in her activism. CoCo comes from a family that predominantly supports the Liberal Party—a stark contrast to her current alignment with more progressive values. She even changed her name to Violet CoCo as part of her evolution into activism. “I wanted something that felt more grounded,” she explains.

As the climate crisis worsens, attracting newer activists poses challenges. CoCo sees this as a shifting focus, especially with younger people rallying around different causes. “COVID had a significant impact on the climate movement,” she notes. New energy seems to have diverted toward issues like the pro-Palestine protests happening in Melbourne.

Despite the hurdles, CoCo’s commitment remains unshakeable. She continues to engage in protests and has even tied herself to machinery in Tasmania. Giving up activism isn’t an option for her; it’s part of who she is. “If I weren’t out here, I’d probably be philosophizing or playing music,” she muses.

In these conversations, you see the heart of activism—direct action paired with personal sacrifice. For CoCo, stepping back isn’t an option as she carries the weight of not only her choices but also the future of the planet.

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