EXTINCTION REBELLION FAQs

Do I have to get arrested if I join Extinction Rebellion?

Only if you choose to! There are many essential roles in XR that you can fill to help us fight the climate emergency, and most of them do not involve getting arrested! Nobody in XR has to do anything they are not comfortable with, including going on direct actions or doing anthing arrestable.

What is Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA)

Non-violent direct action is a form of civil disobedience. Whilst civil disobedience is almost always illegal, NVDA can be completely legal activities designed to be theatrical or to draw attention to a cause. We use NVDA to ensure the authorities can no longer ignore our demands to protect us from mass extinction and the collapse of civilisation

What is civil disobedience?

Civil disobedience is essential in bringing about political change. Read more on civil disobedience.

Why does Extinction Rebellion disrupt normal people's lives?

We don't want to cause problems for regular people. Unfortunately, disruption is a necessary part of ensuring the government starts to protect us all. This was the case in the Sufragette movement, the civil rights movement, gay rights movement etc. Sadly, peaceful protest and civil disobedience are the only way citizens can truly impact structural change.

Is climate change real?

We have known about global warming for over 100 years. Today, 97% of climate scientists agree that climate breakdown is caused primarily by human activity. Virtually every respected scientific institution in the world agrees with this consensus. There is absolutely no doubt that climate breakdown is real and accelerating out of control. Any suggestion to the contrary is the work of vested interests in oil & gas businesses and the 'scientists' paid by them.

Why do some scientists disagree about climate change?

A little research into any scientist who disagrees with the consensus will typically expose why. Within 30 seconds you can discover exactly where these scientists' funding comes from. Typically, they are paid by 'foundations' controlled by oil & gas corporations and their owners. The Koch brothers, the Heritage foundation, all of these bilionaires have funneled billions into projects that pay scientists to intentionally misrepresent the climate crisis.