In a bold and controversial act aimed at sparking a dialogue on climate change, members of the activist group Just Stop Oil turned their attention to a historic icon this week. They took to Westminster Abbey, home to some of Britain’s most revered figures, and made their mark on the grave of Charles Darwin, the esteemed naturalist known for his groundbreaking theory of evolution.
As the sun cast its glow on the iconic white marble gravestone, two activists decided it was time to raise awareness in an unconventional way. Armed with spray chalk, they inscribed the phrase “1.5 is dead” in vibrant orange. This provocative statement serves as a stark reminder that last year marked the alarming moment when global temperatures first breached the critical 1.5°C threshold—a line scientists warn we must not cross if we hope to safeguard our planet.
In a message dripping with urgency, the activists lamented, “We have passed the 1.5 degree threshold that was supposed to keep us safe.” They stressed that even Darwin himself would be turning in his grave if he could witness the ecological crisis unfolding today. “We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction,” they declared. Their plea? A call for world leaders to halt the burning of fossil fuels—oil, gas, and coal—by the year 2030. Who could argue with the wisdom of getting ahead of an impending catastrophe?
Charles Darwin, who took his last breath in 1882, now rests among the great scientific minds in Westminster Abbey’s Scientists’ Corner, alongside luminaries like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. It’s a location steeped in history, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. The Abbey, however, was not prepared for this latest episode of climate activism.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Westminster Abbey reassured the public, stating, “The Abbey’s conservators are taking immediate action to clean the memorial and do not anticipate that there will be any permanent damage.” The Abbey remains a place of worship and tourism, undeterred by the vandalism.
Following the protest, London’s Metropolitan Police stepped in, confirming that two women had been arrested for causing criminal damage at this sacred site. Just Stop Oil has since identified the activists as Alyson Lee, 66—retired teaching assistant par excellence—and Di Bligh, 77, a former chief executive of Reading Council. Quite the unlikely duo shaking the tree of tradition!
Just Stop Oil is no stranger to high-profile protests, having disrupted everything from sports wins to theatre performances, and even throwing soup at Van Gogh paintings. Each action seeks to break through the din of indifference surrounding the climate emergency, making their message echo louder, even if it sometimes ruffles feathers. Are these tactics effective, or do they spark more outrage than understanding?
Westminster Abbey, known for hosting royal weddings and coronations, is more than just a tourist draw; it is a symbol of cultural heritage. The juxtaposition of such significant cultural monuments being used as a backdrop for climate protest inevitably raises questions: What legacy do we want to leave behind? And what lengths will we go to protect our planet for future generations?
With each protest, the conversation around climate change grows louder, but the path forward remains fraught with complexity. As we navigate these turbulent waters, we’re left pondering: how can we balance our reverence for history with the urgent need for reform? The message from Just Stop Oil is clear, if not controversial: It’s time for action before we lose the very essence of the world we cherish.
Report By Axadle
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
