Just Stop Oil Activists Paint Stonehenge Orange to Demand End of Fossil Fuel Use in the UK

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On Saturday, March 12, 2023, activists from the environmental group Just Stop Oil sprayed Stonehenge with orange paint, demanding that the UK government immediately halt all new fossil fuel projects and investments.

The protest, which took place in the early hours of the morning, saw six activists spray the iconic prehistoric monument with orange paint, creating a stark contrast against the ancient stones. The activists, who were dressed in orange boiler suits, also unfurled a banner that read "Just Stop Oil."

The action was the latest in a series of protests by Just Stop Oil, which has been campaigning for the UK government to take more ambitious action to address climate change. The group has previously blocked oil terminals, occupied oil refineries, and disrupted traffic on major roads.

In a statement, Just Stop Oil said that the orange paint represented the "danger and destruction" caused by fossil fuels. The group accused the UK government of "betraying" its citizens by continuing to support fossil fuel projects, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence of the climate crisis.

"We are in a climate emergency," the statement said. "The government is criminally negligent in continuing to license new oil and gas projects. We demand that they stop all new fossil fuel investment and transition to a clean energy future now."

The protest at Stonehenge attracted widespread attention and sparked a heated debate about the role of fossil fuels in the UK energy mix. Some people condemned the activists for defacing such an important historical site, while others praised them for drawing attention to the urgent need to address climate change.

Reaction from the UK Government

The UK government has condemned the protest at Stonehenge, calling it a "mindless act of vandalism." A government spokesperson said that the activists' actions were "not only illegal but also disrespectful to our national heritage."

The government has also defended its record on climate change, pointing to its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. However, critics have argued that the government's policies are not ambitious enough and that it is still supporting fossil fuel projects that are incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on the Just Stop Oil protests is divided. Some people support the group's aims and believe that their disruptive tactics are necessary to bring about change. Others believe that the protests are counterproductive and that they alienate the public from the climate movement.

A recent poll by YouGov found that 42% of Britons support the aims of Just Stop Oil, while 38% oppose them. The poll also found that 53% of Britons believe that the protests are counterproductive, while 24% believe that they are effective.

Conclusion

The protest at Stonehenge by Just Stop Oil has sparked a heated debate about the role of fossil fuels in the UK energy mix and the best way to address climate change. The group's actions have been met with both condemnation and praise, and it remains to be seen whether their tactics will ultimately be successful in bringing about the changes they are demanding.