This is Why I am an Eco-Warrior with Extinction Rebellion UK – A Protestor Tells it All

But in the eighties and nineties, although I held on to those values, I didn’t live them. I conformed. I had white sand holidays and more clothes than I needed, telling myself that as a mum working eighty hours week I deserved such treats. I was a typical middle-class British consumer – even once my brother Dave had become the world’s first Carbon Coach.

But the gradually truth broke back in and in the last 13 years, as I became more aware of how destructive normal habits are and the impact of our fossil fuel economy on the earth and its inhabitants, I have made many changes, including becoming a strict vegan and making my 2006 holiday flight my last. Of course there is more I could do, but the steps I have taken have dramatically reduced my own carbon footprint.

At the same time I created characters in my stories who were activists, wrote an allegory called THE DREAMER about fracking, and considered myself something of a keyboard warrior. I have marched, emailed my MP dozens of times, lobbied him and met him in his surgery to talk about climate action. I have signed every climate-related petition I have seen and supported Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

But global emissions have continued to rise and still the UK government subsidises fossil fuels, expands airports and is intent on fracking. I am often overwhelmed by the inescapable truth the science tells us – that the world the young inherit is at great risk. So is their future.

I joined Extinction Rebellion in October 2018 because it seemed the last chance for humanity, and at the launch in Parliament Square I cried again and again, but I felt hope. Hope that a peaceful rebellion, inspired by love of earth, humanity and other living things, might prompt my government and others across the world to ACT. To declare a Climate Emergency and make radical changes to avert climate and ecological catastrophe.

That is why I spent six days last April on Waterloo Bridge. That’s why I was arrested on April 18th. I’m a wuss but I wasn’t afraid. I felt the deep peace of doing what love requires.

My plea hearing is next Friday, 23rd August. I will plead NOT GUILTY because I acted according to conscience, to prevent greater harm. I will be found guilty but I will make the best case I can. It’s an opportunity to tell and serve the truth and I must take it.

The support I have received, from so many spheres, has been wonderful, and I’m very grateful. I hope that the many trials to come will help people to understand the imminent nature of the harm rebels seek to prevent and the need for radical change. We need more people on the streets in October. I know no other way.”

All images and text by Sue.

To learn more about and follow the non-violent protest by Extinction Rebellion against climate change, biodiversity loss, and for nature conservation in the UK and around the world, check out their website and follow them on Twitter.