In Toulouse, Extinction Rebellion activists block roads for demonstrating against state inaction
Saturday, October 30, the Extinction Rebellion movement is organizing a peaceful demonstration throughout France. In Toulouse, activists blocked traffic on several axes to protest the government’s inaction in the face of the climate emergency.
They are sitting on the asphalt. Alone. Facing vehicles. And on the back, a sign proclaiming their anguish in the face of climate change.
This Saturday, October 30 marks the second edition of the Rebellion of One action triggered, by Extinction Rebellion, a “international civil disobedience movement in the fight against ecological collapse and climate change“, as he defines himself.
All over France, “blockers” and “blockers” sit in the middle of the road and – silently – express their anguish by answering the following question: “And you, what are you afraid of in the face of the ecological crisis?“.
In Toulouse, as in a dozen cities in the metropolis, four blockages took place at 3 p.m. On the signs carried by the militants, one could read: “I’m terrified of how little time is left to reverse the ecological disaster“.
Or even : “I am terrified of more and more deadly disasters caused by global warming“.
Are you afraid of the latest assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? We too, in essence said the movement. Who blames the government for its inaction in the fight against global warming. And this, on the eve of Cop26.
We must therefore stop, explain the activists, until “ambitious steps are taken to stem the ongoing disaster“.”The people who have embarked on this action today hope clearly meaning that they no longer have confidence, and can no longer hold their future in the hands of the government.“.
The promises in climate and environmental matters made six years ago during the Paris climate agreements remain dead letters. The UN thus estimates at 40% the probability that the fateful barrier of 1.5 ° C of warming will be crossed by 2025.
Confidence in our leaders is extinct, these participants still confide. Who want to remind those responsible for decision-makers, a few months before the presidential election.