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End of an Era for Just Stop Oil

After three years of active, non-violent civil disruption, the Just Stop Oil campaign has announced a significant shift by suspending its high-visibility protests. However, this does not signify the end of the resistance against fossil fuels. As I reflect on my situation from within the confines of HMP Styal, my advocacy for the cessation of oil and gas continues unabated. The reality that 15 fellow Just Stop Oil activists remain incarcerated for their defiance against governmental inaction on climate change is a stark reminder of the stakes involved in this struggle.

There have been noteworthy advancements, particularly with the recent election of a Labour government that has made a commitment to halt the issuance of new licenses for oil and gas exploration. This stands as a testament to the impact of civil resistance and the broader climate movement. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes out to everyone involved—those who wore orange vests, distributed leaflets, faced arrest, engaged in social media campaigns, participated in community discussions, or offered support to others in custody. Each action contributes to a shift towards greater environmental accountability.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the new administration is not doing enough to meet the urgent demands of the climate crisis. To uphold their legally mandated objectives for limiting global warming, Labour must terminate the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels by 2030 and advocate for global action. In an alarming response to Just Stop Oil’s victory declaration, a government spokesperson remarked that oil and gas will have a role in the energy mix for decades ahead.

This enduring reliance on oil and gas represents a looming threat to environmental justice and societal wellbeing. It underscores a profound betrayal of public trust and indicates a troubling disregard for urgent climate realities.

Further comments from the government framed Just Stop Oil’s actions as mere public nuisances, with a clear implication that the cessation of their disruptive tactics would be welcomed by the broader community. However, historical perspectives on civil resistance reveal a more complex narrative; many past protest actions are now viewed not as disruptive inconveniences but rather as vital catalysts for social progress. The sacrifices made by activists—whether they represent suffragists, civil rights advocates, or anti-apartheid supporters—are remembered as essential contributions to societal change.

Our campaign’s call to “Just Stop Oil” signifies more than a mere halt to fossil fuel exploitation—it is an appeal for a fundamental transformation of wealth and power dynamics, pushing towards a new political paradigm. In a landscape where fossil fuel extraction and combustion remain both legal and lucrative, it is predictably challenging to disrupt these entrenched systems without facing repercussions. Indeed, many Just Stop Oil supporters have legal battles extending into 2027, as the state opts to prosecute those advocating for climate accountability while turning a blind eye to corporate malfeasance in the fossil fuel industry.

Today, we operate in a markedly different environment than when Just Stop Oil was first initiated. The Earth has already experienced a rise of 1.5C in temperatures, and pervasive threats of authoritarianism along with the specter of war cast a shadow over our urgent climate narrative. Recent findings from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries indicate that without immediate policy reforms addressing climate change, the global economy could suffer a staggering 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090.

While it is undoubtedly poignant to see this chapter of the climate movement close while I remain incarcerated, it is imperative that we adapt our strategies to the new realities we face. Following Gandhi’s philosophy of satyagraha, we recognize that resisting injustice is as crucial as promoting good. Now is the time for collective brainstorming on designing a robust mass movement capable of tackling multiple, overlapping crises. As we prepare to rethink our approach, I invite everyone to join us in this reflection and action.

Source
www.theguardian.com