Insurance Mayhem: Extinction Rebellion Protests Insurance Companies Investing In Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
The passionate display by Extinction Rebellion made corporate droids stop along the streets of London's financial district to watch the protest of insurance industries funding fossil fuel projects.
“Without insurance, they (fossil fuel companies) cannot function” - XR spokesperson, Marijn van de Geer
Wednesday 28th February 2024, Insurance Mayhem. Meeting at Trinity Square Gardens, I was welcomed by the rhythms of the drums beating to the passion of each activist who attended the protest. Admittedly, this was only the second XR protest I had attended, nonetheless, I was soon immersed in an open community that advocates for the preservation of all species on Earth.
What was the protest about?
The protest highlighted the injustice and disparity between financial companies aiding the development of fossil fuel projects. By providing loans and supporting fossil fuels, insurance companies are one of the largest contributors to the environmental degradation and climate catastrophe that we are experiencing today. The continuation of burning fossil fuels will lead to further mass CO2 production which will cause extreme weather subsequently leading to a perpetual cycle of reaching the hottest temperature ever.
By holding these insurance companies to account through protesting and demonstrating our awareness of the threat that poses all species to become endangered. As well as the detrimental effects on the environment; we spread hope to future generations, that despite power and profit, freedom of speech is a universal human right and when used wisely it can highlight injustice and the exploitation of our Earth to profit the selfish individuals that value themselves superior.
The people of the protest:
Not yet capable of understanding the extremity of the issues that arise from burning fossil fuels, the parents with children who attended the protest were truly inspiring. The impact of educating the younger generation about the climate crisis in a hopeful and proactive way will teach children the importance of sustainability to preserve our and other species.
The people involved in the protest acted in solidarity, with a sense of community and pride. My own experience of being surrounded by such passionate individuals sparked hope, I felt proud to be involved in a campaign that advocates for global-scale change for issues that affect everyone.
Are climate protests disruptive?
Short answer, yes, but only because they have to be. The whole point of protesting is to circulate the eventual and irreparable impacts that corporate greed will cause, which comes with making noise, audibly as well as metaphorically. The well-organised XR protest succeeded with their welcoming approach to curious onlookers. The protest was outnumbered by police, revealing how the government placed priority on strained police resources for the peaceful protest that occurred.
The stigma of climate protesters viewed as “extremist” is still concerningly an underlying perception some people have, which is a far misconception of the people that simply care about the preservation of future generation.
Inspired to take action?
To find out more about upcoming Extinction Rebellion protests or events near you, visit the Extinction Rebellion Webpage. If this article has motivated you to take environmental action, then I strongly encourage you to act now, don’t hesitate, even the slightest impacts make a difference, such as signing up to the global XR newsletter.