Extinction Rebellion

Definition

Extinction Rebellion is a global environmental movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action on climate change and biodiversity loss. The movement highlights the urgency of the climate crisis and aims to create awareness through large-scale actions, which can include art installations, protests, and performances that bring attention to environmental degradation and the risks of extinction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction Rebellion was founded in the UK in 2018 and has since grown into a global movement with groups in many countries around the world.
2. The movement's key demands include government action to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2025, the declaration of a climate emergency, and the establishment of citizens' assemblies to shape policy.
3. Art plays a significant role in Extinction Rebellion's protests, using creative installations and performances to engage the public and convey messages about the climate crisis.
4. Members of Extinction Rebellion often participate in large-scale events that disrupt daily activities, drawing media attention to the urgent need for climate action.
5. The movement emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging people from all backgrounds to join in their efforts to address climate change and protect biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How does Extinction Rebellion utilize large-scale installations in its protests, and what is their intended impact?
  • Extinction Rebellion uses large-scale installations as a form of creative expression to visually convey the urgency of the climate crisis. These installations often act as focal points during protests, attracting media attention and public engagement. By transforming public spaces into immersive art experiences, they aim to provoke thought, inspire action, and raise awareness about environmental issues while making the abstract concept of extinction more tangible.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of nonviolent civil disobedience as employed by Extinction Rebellion in raising awareness about climate change compared to traditional methods of activism.
  • Nonviolent civil disobedience has proven effective for Extinction Rebellion as it captures public interest and generates dialogue around climate change. Unlike traditional methods that may rely on petitions or formal lobbying, their approach disrupts normalcy, drawing immediate attention to urgent issues. This strategy leverages shock value, encouraging people to reconsider their relationship with nature and urging governments to prioritize sustainability in policy-making.
• Synthesize the goals of Extinction Rebellion with broader global movements addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. How do they collectively shape public perception and policy?
  • Extinction Rebellion's goals align closely with other global movements focusing on climate justice and sustainability. Together, these movements amplify the message that immediate action is necessary to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. Their collective efforts challenge policymakers and societal norms by creating a unified front that demands systemic changes. By fostering a sense of urgency and mobilizing diverse groups, they are reshaping public perception around climate issues, increasing pressure on governments worldwide to take significant action toward environmental restoration.

Related terms

Climate Emergency: A term used to describe the urgent and critical state of the climate crisis, necessitating immediate and substantial action to mitigate climate change and its impacts.

Civil Disobedience: The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, typically as a peaceful form of protest against policies viewed as unjust.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is essential for maintaining ecological balance and resilience.