Extinction Rebellion (abbreviated as XR) is a global environmental movement with the stated aim of using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.

This page is also available in: Nederlands

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is an international eco-socialist movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to campaign for zero carbon emissions, an end to the ecological crisis, and social and economic justice. The group has been active in over 60 countries and has been described as "the fastest growing climate movement in history".

Founded in the UK in 2018, XR's central demand is for the UK government to "Tell the Truth" about the scale of the climate and ecological emergency, declare a climate and ecological emergency, act to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025, and create and be led by a Citizens' Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

XR's protests have included occupations of public spaces, including roads and bridges; disruptive actions at major airports; and blockades of government buildings. The group has also targeted companies that they see as contributing to the climate crisis, such as investment banks, oil and gas companies, and automakers.

XR has been criticised for causing disruption to the lives of ordinary people, and for not doing enough to engage with groups who are most vulnerable to climate change. The group has also been accused of being "self-indulgent" and "privileged", and of having a "white, middle-class" membership.

Q&A #

How did Extinction Rebellion start? #

The Extinction Rebellion (XR) movement started in the United Kingdom in 2018 with the goal of using nonviolent civil disobedience to force the government to take action on the climate crisis. The movement has since spread to other countries around the world.

What are Extinction Rebellion's goals? #

Extinction Rebellion's goals are to get governments to declare a climate and ecological emergency, and to act accordingly. They want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025, and to take other measures to protect the environment.

What are Extinction Rebellion's tactics? #

Extinction Rebellion's tactics include non-violent civil disobedience. They have protested in London, Edinburgh, and other cities around the world. They have also held mass 'die-ins' and glued themselves to government buildings.

What is Extinction Rebellion's membership like? #

Extinction Rebellion's membership is growing, and is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds. Some members are scientists, and others are concerned citizens. The group is open to anyone who wants to join.

Extinction Rebellion's tactics include non-violent civil disobedience. They have protested in London, Edinburgh, and other cities around the world. They have also held mass 'die-ins' and glued themselves to government buildings.

What is Extinction Rebellion's relationship to other groups? #

Extinction Rebellion is not affiliated with any other groups. However, they have been supported by groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

What is Extinction Rebellion's strategy for achieving its goals? #

Extinction Rebellion's strategy is to use non-violent civil disobedience to force governments to take action on climate change. They believe that this will lead to lasting change.

Resources #

• This is not a drill by Extinction Rebellion (2019)