Extinction Rebellion campaigners took to the streets of Glasgow in a unique protest against climate change. Dressed as ‘zombies’, they targeted insurance companies in the city centre on Tuesday, October 29. The activists performed a dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller to demand the halt of new fossil fuel projects.
The demonstration started at insurance brokers Howden Group, moving on to AIG and then AXA, with dance performances at each location. The activists chanted slogans like “No more gas, no more oil, keep the carbon in the soil” and displayed banners with messages such as “Fueling the zombie apocalypse” and “No insurance on a dead planet”.
This protest is part of Extinction Rebellion’s Insure Our Survival campaign, urging the insurance industry to stop supporting new oil, gas, and coal projects. While some major insurance companies have taken steps in this direction, there are others, including Howden Group, that have not yet committed to ruling out new fossil fuel projects.
Lois Legendre, a senior engineer and climate activist, emphasised the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels, stating that supporting new projects in 2024 is illogical. The activists are demanding that insurance companies cease insuring all new oil, gas, and coal projects to help combat climate change.
XR Glasgow spokesperson Murdoch Wilson criticised insurance companies for profiting from extreme weather events caused by global warming while failing to address the root cause. He highlighted the need for accountability and urged companies to stop insuring projects that contribute to carbon pollution.
The campaign has seen some success, with companies like Zurich and Generali taking steps to stop insuring new oil and gas projects. The activists remain committed to their cause and plan to continue pressuring the insurance industry to divest from fossil fuels.
As climate change continues to threaten our planet, grassroots movements like Extinction Rebellion’s protests serve as reminders of the urgent need for action to protect our environment for future generations. Through creative and impactful demonstrations, activists are bringing attention to the role that industries like insurance play in perpetuating the climate crisis.