Science Weekly
Why did Just Stop Oil just stop?
Apr 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Damien Gayle, an environment correspondent at The Guardian, reflects on the rise and fall of Just Stop Oil. He delves into the group’s iconic protests, from motorway blockades to soup attacks on art. Damien reveals how shifting policies and stringent laws contributed to their disbanding. He also speculates on the future of climate activism in a landscape altered by legal challenges and evolving protest tactics. Join him as he unpacks the implications of their actions on public and governmental responses to climate issues.
18:27
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Quick takeaways
- Just Stop Oil has disbanded after achieving notable policy wins, showcasing the impact of direct climate activism on governmental approaches.
- The group’s cessation of protests highlights a shift in climate activism strategies amidst stricter legal challenges, indicating potential future evolution.
Deep dives
The Impact of Just Stop Oil's Protests
Just Stop Oil gained notoriety for its bold and disruptive protests aimed at raising awareness about fossil fuel dependence and climate change. The group, which emerged from a split within Extinction Rebellion, adopted tactics such as targeting notable cultural icons to generate media attention. Examples include throwing soup on a Van Gogh painting and blocking major roads, which they believed would push the urgency of their message into public discourse. Although their actions made them unpopular with many members of the public, they maintained that creating disruption was necessary to keep climate issues at the forefront of societal conversations.
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