Disruption: Is it worth it? by Annabel T Kassa

Extinction Rebellion are a group of non-violent rebels, seeking action towards climate change and want to actively 'shut down' major cities. This group, on multiple occasions, have brought London to a standstill, often protesting for more than 2 weeks on end. The protesters give talks and want action from the government before is too late. With some arguing that their demands are unrealistic, these protesters continue to set up in major locations around the city like Oxford St and Trafalgar Square and refuse to take 'no' as an answer.

There are 3 main demands from Extinction Rebellion: the government must declare a climate emergency and an assembly should be formed to make sure this takes place. The demands are quite extreme with the UK as a whole having to invest a lot of time and effort into this problem that many of us face. Major protest began in April with protesters glueing themselves to The London Stock Exchange and DLR trains near East London. The protesters set up in Oxford St, with many being forcefully dragged away by police officers. Again, this similar style of protest rose back up again at the start of October and they plan to cause more disruption during Christmas. On board a fire engine, protesters sprayed beetroot juice on a building to mimic the blood that will be poured in the future. Their way of getting their voice across has proved very popular, but their disruption to the London's TFL network has come under fire. Multiple bus routes have been diverted with journeys taking much longer than usual. However, despite this disruption, over 47% of 18-24 year old approve of this disruption to the life of the busy Londoners. Extinction Rebellion have helped to raise awareness about our climate emergency and that death awaits humanity if we do not take action. We cannot carry on with 'business' as usual because natural disasters and the rising heatwaves kill many people each day. We cannot continue to reply to their efforts with silence because when the time comes, doom will not stop for certain people, be it rich or poor. We will all get hit at the same time.

Extinction Rebellion's actions have definitely not gone unnoticed, with thousands of pounds donated to the cause. Their effort is much appreciated by us but now it is our turn to listen. We must all reduce our usage of plastic and just do good for the environment. We must all listen to their message, because we need to work together to achieve change. One person will make a difference they say? NO, not necessarily. If I stopped using single use plastic products but someone else uses it more and more every day, my effort has gone unnoticed. What I have reduced, someone else has accounted for. WE have to all do small things because if we do it together, it will amount to something more. Are you angry that your normal transport routine has been disrupted? Well, turn that anger into fury that people in power haven't listened to their claims. Use your anger (non-violently, of course) to raise awareness and input a difference. Your disrupted journey amounts to nothing when it comes to climate change. Make your mark on this dying world.