Transforming Gloom into Hope: Extinction Rebellion Unites Thousands for Climate Justice

Discover the transformative power of Extinction Rebellion's "The Big One" event, which drew thousands of climate justice activists together.

This article delves into the personal stories and experiences of protesters who found hope, unity, and inspiration over the course of the four-day demonstration. Learn how these individuals channelled their energy to become agents of change, from the power of art and shared narratives to the optimism sparked by the event.

A Personal Journey: Discovering Hope and Unity at a Climate Protest

Andy Marshall, Brand Disrupter

The night before April 21st, my 14-year-old daughter was adding the final touches to a sign featuring the logos of Harrison Brands, B Corp Certification, and Business Declares, all placed beneath a painting of our planet with the words "Business shouldn't cost the earth." The following morning, I headed to London, Victoria, to meet with others.  

The peaceful protest was larger than I had anticipated, and I felt a mix of excitement and astonishment. Thoughts about tipping points ran through my mind as I considered the irreversible effects of our actions on the planet. Despite empty promises from big businesses, politicians, governments, and the media, we continue to slide away from a safe 1.5º, 1.6º, 1.7º, 1.8º… but it doesn't yet seem like a crisis. We only believe what we're told, and the truth is that we cannot stop it. Our only hope is to shape a future that allows us to coexist with nature. We have passed the tipping point.  

However, seeing so many people united in their awareness of the situation, anger towards our government, and desire for change at the protest gave me hope. The scale of the gathering made me feel that we are approaching a tipping point and that people are changing. We know we're being deceived, and Extinction Rebellion's call to "Unite to Survive" resonates. Soon, there will be enough of us to bring about change in the way we shop, invest, and vote for the better.  

This is the beginning of something special and the end of something so wrong. Let's unite to survive.

Shaping a New Narrative: The Power of Shared Stories and Experiences

Riccardo Sai, Head of Film and Story, founder of Storo

I had no idea what to expect. The Extinction Rebellion had received some negative press in the past, and I was concerned that things might spiral out of control. When several friends and colleagues mentioned their plans to attend the four-day event, and XR Wandsworth was fully prepared to attend, I joined them. As members of the Business Declares community, we picketed the Department of Energy Safety and Net Zero.

An incredible amount of energy filled the air, and many happy people, including myself, hadn't participated in a demonstration in a while.

The dreadful weather couldn't deter us.

Attending such events is critical for people like me who care about the environment and society as a whole, especially given how much time we spend on social media and in front of computers. Events like the Big One allow you to meet the people you're working with in person, fostering meaningful connections and a better understanding of your true purpose.

The talks were excellent, but the magnetic and infectious atmosphere drew me in. We all felt like we were a part of something special.

I couldn't help but be impressed by how much planning went into the four-day event. So much effort was expended behind the scenes! It's incredible what humans can achieve when they truly work together.

The creativity and art were genuinely inspiring.

Art has a way of bringing people together, forging connections, and instilling a sense of belonging. The Silent Red Brigade, dressed in red and strolling quietly through the city; the pink origami boats left outside the Home Office; people dressed creatively; witty and thoughtful placards; and the drums and music that made our hearts beat as one.

What moved me the most were the parents marching with their children and the young Stop the Oil protesters, who shared their love for nature and personal stories.

I captured many images over the two days at the Big One. Reflecting on those photos allows me to delve deeper into my experiences and explore and relive them on a deeper level.

Now is the time to expand on what we've started, to share these new narratives, and to change a story that no longer serves humanity.

Are you with me?

From Waterloo Bridge to The Big One: One Activist's Journey with Extinction Rebellion

Fio Adamson, age 74, Artist

At The Big One, it was clear that many people have taken on board that we are in a climate and ecological emergency. They've also realised that we can't tackle it without some joy. Yes, the crisis is massively serious, but all doom and gloom are unattractive, counterproductive, and just bring us down...

So for the weekend of The Big One the mediaeval buildings of Westminster and its occupants were treated to inventiveness, costumes, creativity, flags, placards and banners, music, drumming and dancing, and the inclusion of all ages., 

I was there because, in 2018, I sat on Waterloo Bridge and heard Dr. Gail Bradbrook speak about the climate emergency. I realised that something urgently needed to happen, so if XR was happening, where else would I be? XR Wandsworth soon got started, and I have been involved with that group and its more local subsidiary, the Commoners, ever since.

Over the years, I've been involved in running Inductions, Non-Violent Direct Action training, facilitating meetings, and Listening Circles. I've painted banners, printed posters, and flyposted. I've block-printed T-shirts. I've sat on roads with others and by myself and glued myself to the ground. I've attended ceremonies, given talks and spoken to people door to door and in the street.

I have handed out thousands of leaflets. I've made a full-sized woolly mammoth, wearing a green Santa Claus outfit and singing in the street. I've helped to maintain non-violence. I haven't been arrested. As we say: We are all crew.

At The Big One this weekend, the agreement was to involve a lot more people than before, with a target of 100,000, by sticking to only legal actions. This seems to have worked – 100,000 individuals may well have been involved.

However, press coverage has been minimal, especially on TV and print. The government has so far yet to give in to the demands of No New Fossil Fuels and a Citizens Assembly on the Climate. The latter would appoint people by sortition (like a jury) to address, with expert input, the issues of what must be done to tackle climate change. 

The government needs to listen and get on something like a war footing before it's too late. The IPCC's warnings about the danger we are in must not fall on deaf ears.  

Discovering Unity and Inspiration at a Climate Protest: Maria Soleil's Experience

Maria Soleil, marketing strategist and owner of Soleil Marketing

Going to my first protest with Business Declares was not an easy decision. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I wasn't sure what impact it would have. 

I made the right decision to go. I spoke to many like-minded people who cared about making positive changes for people and the planet.  

I felt inspired, encouraged, and motivated to see us all join together over a shared cause - asking the government to stop issuing new oil and gas licences. I saw many people dressed in brightly coloured, impactful outfits, carrying signs and banners with strong messages about why we must stop supporting fossil fuels. 

I watched the silent protest by XR's Invisible Circus - the famous red-robed protestors - as they made their way around Parliament Square.

The effect was incredibly emotive and moving, and their bright red outfits and pale white faces were in stark contrast to their silence. As was their presence to the rest of the protest - which was noisy and diverse in colour. That day, I realised the power of bringing together art, people, shared values, and a powerful message. 

Positive Change Through Collaboration: Matt Hocking's Journey in Creative Climate Activism

Matt Hocking, Founder, CSO, designer, earthling and a stubborn optimist.

For me, it's all about energy, willingness, people in action, and reciprocity.

I feel fortunate and privileged that, over my 20+ years of creative activism, I have been able to declare and take action as part of a vibrant, fruitful community of individuals who use their energy, businesses, and lives to move hearts and minds for the better. When I join them, it's as simple as an energetic expression, no egos, no silos, one planet, a murmuration of people using business as a force for good. All sizes, colours, genders, and diversity. Supporting, nurturing,helping, and, enabling. 

Lessons for me to do more of this, sometimes behind the scenes, creating things for people to use, at the front of things, sometimes supporting in the background, and other times creating the space to get other diverse voices in front of the cameras, the reporters, on the stage.

Importantly, support and uplift; don't pull down and go into the negative space. To do this, we've got to host realistic, stubborn, and hopeful optimism and faith.

And we have got to do what we can; we might not be able to travel to events or spend a day in a parade, so what might you be able to do? What role do you wish to play? How can we support you?

I have this line that I use in my talks and online.

I am an Activist! 

{ my choice, my action } 

I am Not a re-activist 

{ last minute, very expensive, probably too late } 

or an in-activist

{too late}.

We all have choices to make, and we are still at a time when we CAN make choices.

One day we won't have the choice, and many worldwide already don't have a choice.

We've all got to do our thing any way we can, everywhere, all the time. Not for us, but for the present and future generations, and we've got to do it now. Governments are short-term delayers; we need everyone acting long-term in the short-term.

I will be joining with Business Declares and thousands of others as it's past #timeforchange.

See everyone at the Big One, and those that can't make it, we know you will be there in spirit.

The Spark of Hope: An Unforgettable Day at Extinction Rebellion's 'The Big One'

Emma Osterbery, Beneficiaries Manager, Gratitude Global 

At best, climate change is overwhelming. At worst, it casts a cloud of darkness that most try to avoid; the problem for me is that I work in sustainability. I see and hear evidence every day that makes me want to scream out loud, so everyone knows they can change this forecasted outcome for our planet. 

When you mention Extinction Rebellion to the everyday person on the street, they think of people sticking their faces to floors, causing disruption to regular everyday folk. My experience of "The Big One' could not have been further from that stereotype!

As we approached Westminster with my 11-year-old daughter in tow, I won't lie. I was excited, if a little nervous. I've never taken to the streets to protest, so I had no idea what to expect, but then I saw it! A celebration of our natural world, my eyes darting through the array of costumes and banners depicting concerns for our species' future.

Every age, every gender, and every culture are coming together in a sea of support, showing they care about what happens next. We are all tired of the lies we are fed and the dirty revenue that filters into our economies. We felt so welcomed. We shared stories and experiences, gaining confirmation from one another about the impact we could make. 

The fact that XR pulled off such a powerhouse display of climate concern impressed me, showing what they are capable of, but there is a huge problem. What did you read about its success?

Nothing; it's like it never happened in the media world—a sweeping under the political carpet of what should have been seen as a beacon of hope.

I walked out of Westminster feeling proud to have been there, showing my child I care and am willing to stand for her future. I've taken that optimism and driven it into my work this week, determined to create awareness for all, highlighting the actions we can take to change our climate emergency. 

Thank you, XR; "The Big One" gave me hope and inspiration!   

Ece Eyisoy's Reflections: Hope, Sadness, and Responsibility in the Fight for Climate Justice

Ece Eyisoy, Brand and experience designer for businesses that want better for people and the planet.

What brings 300 business leaders together to stand in front of a building for hours in cold and rainy weather? A common cause and passion for the long-term well-being of all people and the planet, and the responsibility we feel.

Although standing alongside dozens of other impact-driven business leaders feels powerful, it is not standing that will solve all our problems. It is the conversations we have before, during, and after our protests, the collaborations we make along the way, and the progress we achieve...

That is what happened before, in front of the Department of Energy Safety and Net Zero on Friday as part of Business Declares at the Big One. While the number 300 sounds big, you should have seen the whole picture. There were thousands and thousands of people, all calling on the government to take action and create policies to meet the 2050 targets. Without action, promises fail. As citizens of the world, it is our duty to hold governments accountable.

I am both hopeful and sad. I am hopeful that so many of us want to give more to society than we take. I am sad that thousands of people peacefully and lawfully surrounding Parliament don't receive even a quarter of the media coverage that disruptive protests do. As business leaders, governors, and individuals, we all have a choice to either serve the solutions or, by default, serve the destruction. As Solitaire Townsend says, there is no middle way. 

Curious? Inspired to take action?

Check out Extinction Rebellion UK's website and Business Declares' website.