Close
Search
Menu Menu
[gtranslate]

Extinction Rebellion volunteers protect the London Marathon

Credit: Wikimedia Commons
By
London, UK
0 comments
0 comments

The London Marathon coincided with four days of continuous protests from Extinction Rebellion around the capital. Aware that many were concerned about disruptions, members of the eco-outfit actively protected the event to safeguard its reputation. 

Extinction Rebellion members decided that showing discretion was the best course of action last weekend. 

In the run-up to the London Marathon, the climate group had been holding four-day demonstrations in Parliament Square leading many to believe the event would be actively targeted. 

On the contrary, the group’s senior representatives met with race organisers to strategise on how to protect one of the ‘crown jewels’ of British sport. On the day of the event, Extinction Rebellion even volunteered members to diffuse any potential obstructions at different checkpoints. 

‘We believe a handful of people might want to do an action to block the race,’ said 63-year-old Michel, an Extinction Rebellion devotee from Brussels. ‘We don’t believe it’s necessary.’ 

The eco-outfit showed out and had presence around the marathon, with its synonymous symbol visible on flags and placards picked up by national media. The key distinction with its outing on this occasion, however, is that its message was peacefully observed and those running were encouraged. 

‘We are doing it specifically today to show people we are good people because the press don’t give us any credit for the work that we are doing – they spin a narrative that casts us as the bad guys when, in fact, our movement’s all about love,’ said Lu Curtis, 52, from Wandsworth. 

By successfully preventing a civil display of anger from stealing the limelight, the environmental group has thus far honoured its pledge to swap previously disruptive tactics for diplomatic efforts in 2023. 

A poll conducted by YouGov late in 2022 revealed that more people disliked Extinction Rebellion than championed it following several years of radical action. It followed by announcing ‘attendance over arrests’ in a bid to garner some public favour and ensure its all-important message isn’t lost amidst squabbling and hysteria.

This is a markedly different approach to fellow activist groups such as Just Stop Oil, whose continued performative stunts intend to reflect the desperate nature of our climate situation. Only last week, a protestor was arrested for throwing orange powder over a snooker table at the Crucible arena. 

We wrote a piece in October last year examining whether getting the public’s attention at any cost is worth alienating them. We’ll leave you to make up your own mind. 

Either way, there’s plenty of positive press to start the week for Extinction Rebellion, which has scarcely been the case over the years. We’re now intrigued to see if support for the cause will grow ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer. Let’s hope so. 

Tech Editor London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Editor in Chief at Thred. Keeping up with gaming and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Implications for the climate under a second Trump term
Credit: Thred
Planet

Implications for the climate under a second Trump term

There’s been nothing to suggest Trump isn’t still in his ‘drill, baby, drill’ bag. Here’s a reminder of why a second term of his presidency is so concerning for US climate reform. Election day has been won by Donald Trump. Whether that is cause for despair or celebration depends who you ask, but there’s no denying the seismic blow US climate policy has just taken. Scientists have stated that there’s a...

By London, UK
Breaking down intersex variations in human biology
Credit: Pexels
People

Breaking down intersex variations in human biology

Recent studies indicate that intersex variations are as common as red hair, affecting approximately 1.7% of the global population. Public awareness about this facet of human biology remains limited however, highlighting the need for improved education and acceptance across the board. ‘Intersex’ is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of bodily differences, from variations in chromosomes and reproductive organs to atypical hormone levels and external genitalia. Specifically, it means...

By Delhi, India
India ranks lowest in Global Nature Conservation Index
Credit: Pexels
Planet

India ranks lowest in Global Nature Conservation Index

The country’s environmental protection efforts are being scrutinised after it ranked 176th. India’s score of 45.5 out of 100 in this year’s Global Nature Conservation Index positions it among the worst-performing countries in the world. The assessment, conducted by Ben-Gurion University and BioDB, looked at land management, biodiversity threats, governance capacity, and future trends. India’s poor rating stems primarily from ineffective land management practices and escalating threats to its...

By Delhi, India
A look at the NHS Smoking, Drinking, and Drug use amongst young people survey
Credit: Pexels
People

A look at the NHS Smoking, Drinking, and Drug use amongst young people survey

The newest NHS Smoking, Drinking and Drug use amongst young people in England has been published, highlighting growing trends from secondary school students in England. The NHS Smoking, Drinking, and Drug use survey amongst young people in England is monumental in highlighting the changing trends amongst secondary school students from ages 11 to 15. It covers assorted topics such as: habits, attitudes, and general wellbeing, while keeping young peoples' identities anonymous. This...

By London, England
Accessibility