Personal & Professional Practice: Extinction Rebellion: Worldwide Student Protest

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Following my investigation into COP3, I have been a participating member of the Leeds branch of the 'Extinction Rebellion' group, attending their meetings every Monday at 8:30pm.

My conclusion to the COP3 investigation was that we were going to see a rise in Civil Disobedient, especially creative forms of such protest. And following the events of this Easter, that is exactly what we have seen - with carefully curated and successful protests that now have leaders of Extinction Rebellion in talks with Secretary of State for Environment and the Mayor of London. I believe, this is due to a saturated social media platform that allows for greater transparency of those in power, as well as providing a forum for discussion outside of the tainted and regimented News platforms.

These acts of civil disobedience call for immediate action on addressing the climate catastrophe of now. The point of this particular protest focused on the children whose futures are the ones on the line. The idea was that nothing else is more important that implementing legislation that does not favour the TNCs - why should students be studying when their future is not guaranteed? And who is going to fight against the actions taking place that benefit only those making the decisions?

'Tens of thousands of people in more than 33 countries across six continents will stage a global rebellion to raise the alarm about the Climate and Ecological Emergency that could signal the extinction of the human race if we don’t actGroups across the world will disrupt ‘business as usual’. Ordinary citizens, terrified by the threat we all face to our future, will risk arrest and imprisonment by blocking bridges, roads, harbours and transport systems. Die-ins, cry-ins, funerals, banner drops, ‘blood’ spilling, art and theatre will be part of a festival of global protest' - Extinction Rebellion

The event included a march around town, followed by speeches from an array of talkers. This included 15 year old school kids, to lecturers of Geography from Leeds Uni, and EXR organisers. The following events in London included 24-hour blockages of the main bridges in central London, where instead of traffic, people brought plants to fill the bridge, and celebrated with music and dance to make their point.

Overall, the entire organisation are amazing. The people working behind the scenes are inspiring and passionate, articulate and creative, and most importantly the group relies on grassroots support which is a huge part of its success in bringing about social and ecological justice.

Additionally the sign designs are a great part of the protest culture. This was therefore a relevant opportunity to design some protest signs that communicate the message of the protest.