We Need to Talk About Greenpeace
11th September 2021
of your average citizen more than those it’s likely to be Extinction Rebellion. Utter these words to your average working-class Londoner and don’t be surprised if they start grinding their teeth or begin to show signs of a florid complexion.
Since the group re-emerged after a long hiatus in the wilderness — probably busy making hair shirts or shouting at petrol — they have tried every means at their disposal to raise awareness that we are living in a supposed climate emergency. Their hapless Dad’s Army approach to environmental activism managed to enrage and frustrate just about every sector of British society. From a blockade that obstructed newspaper printing presses to disrupting the travel plans of millions of fed up commuters, the group managed to alienate just about anyone who may have been receptive to their cause. Hyperbolic statements didn’t help either. Founding member Roger Hallam claimed “billions” will die if we fail to take immediate action. Rather than bring people with them, these ridiculous stunts and statements have had the opposite effect.