On Valentine’s Day 2022, Hannah Hunt stood outside Downing Street to launch a fresh climate campaign called civil resistance. Last week, after three years and many arrests, she returned to announce that Just Stop Oil (JSO) would conclude this chapter of its activism.
JSO has stirred strong opinions in the UK. Some have labeled them “eco-zealots” while others deemed their actions “selfish.” The group gained notoriety for tactics like blocking roads and disrupting sports events. By 2023, a poll showed that 64% of people disapproved of their methods. The public backlash was significant, but so was their ability to keep the dialogue around fossil fuel production alive in mainstream media.
In their farewell statement, JSO claimed to be one of the most successful civil resistance movements in recent history. They pointed out how their call for a halt on new oil and gas licenses is now part of government policy.
Sociologist Graeme Hayes from Aston University noted that JSO’s closure was predictable. He observed that groups like JSO, Extinction Rebellion (XR), and Insulate Britain share a pattern where they eventually fade after exhausting their energy in a tough social environment.
The landscape for climate activism has grown harsher. Recent laws like the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act and the Public Order Act provide police with new powers to impose restrictions on protests. Katy Watts, a lawyer at the human rights group Liberty, highlighted the difficulties activists face today, pointing out that laws now make it harder to protest without severe consequences.
JSO’s impact has been noteworthy, with over 3,300 arrests among its supporters and several receiving lengthy jail sentences. Notably, Roger Hallam, a key figure in the climate movement, is currently serving a reduced four-year sentence for conspiracy related to protest activities. He reflected on the time spent building JSO as immensely fulfilling, underlining the sacrifices made by activists amidst growing repression.
The movement now faces a turning point. Some groups, like the Citizens Arrest Network, aim to shift accountability from activists to corporations that exploit the environment. Others, like Shut the System, have adopted more clandestine tactics, but there is a push for a broader movement to address the climate crisis.
According to Sam Nadel from Social Change Lab, even controversial groups like JSO help bolster support for more moderate actions. His research indicates that awareness of JSO protests often leads to increased support for organizations like Friends of the Earth and boosts public engagement in pro-climate activities.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, many activists feel a sense of urgency. Hallam emphasized that while the climate situation worsens, responsibility should not fall solely on activists but also on society’s leaders who have yet to take action. He warned that the UK may face dire consequences if change doesn’t happen soon.
The struggle continues. As the climate crisis escalates, the need for effective activism is clearer than ever. Ordinary people may be called upon to lead the way in safeguarding the planet’s future.
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