Climate activism has intensified in the past few years as the planet warms to dangerous levels, igniting more extreme heat, floods, storms and wildfires around the world.
Absolutely, targeting activism towards the lifestyles of the rich is a crucial step in addressing the issue of higher CO2 emissions and climate change. It's not about vilifying individuals, but rather recognizing that certain lifestyles contribute significantly to environmental harm.
Focusing solely on the lower and middle class isn't the solution, as they are the ones who often bear the brunt of climate change impacts and economic adjustments. What might be considered "luxury" for them is often just basic necessities, and their livelihoods are directly affected by climate-related changes.
On the other hand, the elite and super elites can afford to make substantial changes to their lifestyles without sacrificing their basic needs. Cutting back on private flights, yachts, and excessive consumption won't significantly impact their quality of life. Their choices to reduce their environmental footprint can send a powerful message and create a domino effect, encouraging positive change on a larger scale.
This doesn't mean demonizing anyone; it's about promoting awareness and responsibility. We need systemic changes, and these should start from the top down. By targeting the source of excessive consumption and promoting sustainable choices among the rich, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.
Golf? I need to do some research. I'd be lining up more useless garbage like cruise ships, coal energy, gas powered mowers, and all of the 'recyclable' garbage that isn't. Also styrofoam. Fuck styrofoam.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Climate activists have spraypainted a superyacht, blocked private jets from taking off and plugged holes in golf courses this summer as part of an intensifying campaign against the emissions-spewing lifestyles of the ultrawealthy.
Climate activism has intensified in the past few years as the planet warms to dangerous levels, igniting more extreme heat, floods, storms and wildfires around the world.
Tactics have been getting more radical, with some protesters gluing themselves to roads, disrupting high-profile sporting events like golf and tennis and even splashing famous pieces of artwork with paint or soup.
They’re now turning their attention to the wealthy, after long targeting some of the world’s most profitable companies – oil and gas conglomerates, banks and insurance firms that continue to invest in fossil fuels.
“We do not point the finger at the people but at their lifestyle, the injustice it represents,” said Karen Killeen, an Extinction Rebellion activist who was involved in protests in Ibiza, Spain, a favorite summer spot for the wealthy.
He published estimates of top billionaires’ annual emissions in 2021 and found that a superyacht — with permanent crew, helicopter pad, submarines and pools — emits about 7,020 tons of carbon dioxide a year, over 1,500 times higher than a typical family car.
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Climate activists have spraypainted a superyacht, blocked private jets from taking off and plugged holes in golf courses this summer as part of an intensifying campaign against the emissions-spewing lifestyles of the ultrawealthy.
That really had me interested for a minute. Usually, when things are "targeted," it's with a few more explosives? Instead, I can't really recall the last time I was this let down.
Not even bothering with hyperbole, dear FBI agent. These are the people that helped and continue to help knowingly trigger an ongoing mass extinction event. You don't fight the good fight with people who don't have to care by temporarily plugging a golf hole.
I remember being in LA during the Rodney King Riots in 1992. White people (especially privileged leftists) were all clutching their pearls, wondering why black folks were attacking their innocent Korean merchant neighbors and dragging random white people out of their cars and beating them, instead of going to rich people's neighborhoods and attacking them, or attacking the systems of oppression. Clearly these white folks did not understand how oppression works.
When you're the victim of random violence, and have reached your breaking point, and don't know what else to do, you respond with random violence, against whatever and whomever is nearby.
Black folks in Compton had no way to get to the racist white power structure. It was insulated from their rage.
Can XR act against Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk? The board of Exxon? No way, they're not accessible. So they attack whatever they can reach. The world is burning and they're pissed off. Their targets may or may not make sense strategically. They aren't trying to influence people or win friends. They're just infuriated. Know the difference, try to understand with empathy.
There's an enormous gap between private jets & yachts, and golf. Most cities have municipal golf courses that are affordable and they even rent out clubs. Golf is a relaxing sport that preserves green spaces that would otherwise be parking lots. I've seen a lot of hate against golf on this site already though, so I guess it's fashionable to hate it now.