The Rights and Wrongs of Climate Action

An anonymous 'Just Stop Oil' activist says they will continue to do what they do (direct action against Big oil interests), because it is 'right' even if it is not legal (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/10/just-stop-oil-activists-queens-speech-tories). She notes that the politicians have stressed their 'committment' to net zero but their actions fail to follow the rhetoric. The UK government's recent Queen' speech (this is written by the ruling politicians and details their planned legislation), actually creates a whole new range of offenses for activists. It will become a criminal offense to 'lock on' (use superglue or ties, to attach oneself to other people, objects or buildings). It will also be a crime, to carry equipment that 'could' be used to 'lock on' (don't have superglue or shoe-laces on your person!). Interfering with 'key' national infrastructure (like roads and rail), as well as obstructing major transport works, will also become offenses. The activist opines that fossil fuel infrastructure now receives greater protections than either people living in the global South or future generations. The best way to reduce climate change activism, might be for politicians to convince the public they are serious about countering global heating. It's unsurprising that sections of the population are far from convinced, by apparently empty 'pledges' and flip-flopping.