Extinction Rebellion protests block traffic
Extinction Rebellion has carried out protests in five UK cities, marking the start of what it describes as a “summer uprising”.
The environmental activist group is calling for greater government action against the climate emergency. Monday’s demonstrations – targeting London, Cardiff, Leeds, Bristol, and Glasgow – caused disruption to traffic in parts of the cities.
Protests in each city are focusing on a different ecological threat: rising sea levels, floods, wildfires, crop failures, and extreme weather.
Extinction Rebellion is demanding that the UK government prevents further losses to biodiversity and commits to producing net-zero greenhouse gases by 2025.
The group said it would carry out “creative acts of civil disobedience” including blocking roads and bridges, as well as holding educational workshops.
More than 15 police vans accompanied the crowd outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where about 250 protestors blocked the Strand.
The group said it chose the Royal Courts of Justice after it was announced last week that more than 1,000 activists who participated in April’s demonstrations were facing prosecution.
“We’re here in solidarity with them and climate activists all over the world who are putting their lives on the line for climate justice,” the spokesperson said.