Extinction Rebellion: Creating the climate for change
It’s all so surreal I can’t quite believe it. I’ve been sucked into a giant game of cat-and-mouse on some of the most famous streets in central London. Leaning towards the window, I crane my neck this way and that, taking in vital intelligence on the movements of the opposing team. Outside, along Regent Street — one of the grandest and most well-known shopping streets in London — there is a suspicious lack of shoppers or traffic. Instead, the street is teeming with police officers, their many vans parked in long, neat rows at the sides of the roads. It’s lunchtime and inside the cafe where I’m sitting, they’re doing good trade with hungry officers.
“Are you a rebel?” the grey-haired woman standing next to me asks abruptly. “Yes, I am,” I tell her, a proud glow rising in my chest.
I recognise her instantly by her adopted name, “Storm Granny”. She’s been on stage regularly at the Extinction Rebellion protests, talking to the crowds about the importance of keeping our movement non-violent and how to de-escalate any aggression that might arise. Most of all, this is to ensure the peaceful energy of the protesters themselves, making sure that no rogue individuals get carried away and forget our commitment to non-violent action. With this peaceful spirit, our call for an urgent response to the climate crisis will be delivered to the media and the public in as dignified and potent a way as possible.
“I’m having trouble using my phone — can you help me add these contacts? I’m not very good with technology”, she confesses. I help her (“If in doubt, just press all the buttons!” I sagely advise). I glance along the counter and spot another group of “rebels” huddled down the other end, smartphones in hand, discussing the complex, unfolding situation we’re collectively embroiled in.
And what a situation it is! The old adage that reality is sometimes stranger than fiction certainly is expressing itself magnificently today.
Why are all these police here? What could possibly demand such a heavy police presence? Are there riots? Is there a need for high security to protect visiting royalty or dignitaries?
No, all these police officers are here to capture a pink boat named Berta, of course!