Climate Violence: Has Peaceful Protest Failed? (Andreas Malm)
Show notes
Environmental activists have long been committed to non-violent protest, but as global emissions continue to rise Andreas Malm thinks they should change their tactics. The climate scholar, and author of 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline', thinks the destruction and sabotage of fossil fuel infrastructure is now a legitimate and necessary weapon in the fight against climate change.
One of the most controversial figures in climate politics, Andreas argues that decades of marches, petitions and symbolic protest have failed. He tells Gabriel Gatehouse how he draws on examples from history - like anti-slavery campaigns or the suffragette movement - where violence played a key role in bringing about change (although he does not advocate violence against people). If governments refuse to phase out fossil fuels quickly enough, Andreas argues, then damaging the infrastructure driving climate breakdown may be morally justified.
But can such illegal acts be justified, and how do you convince activists to commit them, risking lengthy prison sentences in the process? Plus, would destruction garner support or resentment from everyone else?
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