London: Climate activists block roads amidst global protests

Hundreds of climate activists camped out in central London on the morning of October 8 which was also the second day of global protests by the Extinction Rebellion movement demanding urgent actions to tackle global warming. While the police asked the protesters to move to Trafalgar square in order to keep the streets clear, the activists located themselves at the Department of Transport of the British government. In the different parts of the world, including Australian cities, other areas of Europe also witnessed the second day of global protesters. 

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PM Johnson criticises the movement

Britain's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson appealed the protesters on October 7 to not create hinderance on London roads. He further called the activists “uncooperative cruties” who should also abandon their “hemp-smelling bivouacs”.

A National Health Service manager, Mike Gumn with two children reportedly said that he took a day off his annual leave only to be a part of the demonstrations for climate change. Gumn even took umbrage at the PM's characterization of activists as “hippies” and wanted to make a statement that the activists who are flooding the streets are from different walks of life. Moreover, the officials had arrested 319 demonstrators yesterday.

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Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion is a social-political movement with the aim of using civil disobedience and non-violent resistance to compel government action on climate breakdown, bio-diversity loss, and risk of social and ecological collapse. It was established in the United Kingdom back in 2018 with around a hundred academics signing a call to action in support. A number of activists in the movement have reportedly accepted arrest and imprisonment as well. The logo, a circled hourglass, known as the extinction symbol, serves as a warning that time is rapidly running out for many species.

Read: Europe: Protests Block Roads In Cities, Urging Climate Action

Read: German Artists Join Extinction Rebellion For Drastic Climate Measures

(With AP inputs)