Ecological & Climate Change News
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Global Newsletter #95: REBEL EARTH MONTH: WE ARE THE FIRE
The latest science screams what we already know: ecosystems are collapsing in real time. As forests burn and children drown in mining pits, as billionaires jet-ski through climate chaos and politicians sell our future for fossil fuel profits, this month proved one truth: rebellion is not a choice, but our species’ last lifeline.
# Global Newsletter 94: The Passion to Make a Difference
Does it ever feel like nobody is taking action on the things that matter? Does it ever feel like everyone is complacent and nobody cares?
Global Newsletter #93: Resistance and Hope
While the new year may have tempted us with promised new beginnings, we are now far enough into 2025 to know that those with power are still committed to business as usual.
Global update
At a time when many feel scared or helpless, hope can be found in the stories of people around the world coming together to stop climate change.
Global Newsletter #92: Beyond Elections - Here Comes The Resistance
This year’s elections showed the devastating rise of climate denial and exploitation. True democracy now is people-powered resistance.
Global Newsletter #91: The Biggest Death Project in Human History
Our world is closer to collapse than scientists thought, yet activists are imprisoned, while carbon capitalism is free to keep killing.
Global Newsletter #90: No Nature, No Future 🪲
Rebels in the UK and Finland launched actions of record-breaking size to demand better protections for nature.
Global Newsletter #89: Stop The Scramble! 🌍
They tried to keep its location secret. But rebels still found the summit where oil executives plan their plunder of Africa.
Global Newsletter #88: Peaceful Protest Wins!
From corporate divestment to landmark court rulings to political concessions, April has been full of wins for the climate movement.
If We Burn: learning from the mass protest decade
What makes popular uprisings successful? Why have they become so prone to backfiring? Are we too afraid of leaders? We spoke to author Vincent Bevins to find out.
Crossing the Rubicon
A personal reflection on average global temperatures exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for over twelve months.
Global Newsletter #87: Octopussy Riot!
A new rebel alliance has been disrupting North Sea oil infrastructure across Europe, and performing punk songs on shipping containers.
Global Newsletter #86: No Insurance, No Drilling
Without insurance, fossil fuel projects like oil pipelines and coal mines cannot operate.
Global Newsletter #85: 1.5°C has died
But every step we take to end fossil fuels and make our civilization sustainable keeps the world a little cooler, and the future a little less frightening.
Mothers* Rebellion: A View from Kenya
Mothers* Rebellion has people around the world rising up against climate breakdown. Read about Betty's experiences organizing in Kenya.
Global Newsletter #84: Reasons To Be Cheerful
2023 was bleak, but rebels and their allies also achieved many inspiring victories last year. Let’s remember some of the best.
Global Newsletter #83: Dirty Deals in Dubai, People Power in Panama.
Greenwashing by the UAE is leading to mass eviction in Kenya, while mass protest is closing mines in Panama.
Global Newsletter #82: No Pipelines, No Prisons, No Genocide.
The ‘Oscars of Oil’ is blockaded, the criminalisation of protest is resisted, and a ceasefire in Palestine is demanded.
Telling the truth so we can learn from mistakes - reflections five years on
Five years on from the creation of Extinction Rebellion, three co-founders reflect on lessons learnt and how to respond to today's rapidly warming world.
Global Newsletter #81: The World Is Collapsing
The era of global climate breakdown has begun, and our movement has responded with actions of ingenuity and bravery.
On the wrong side of history
The current UK Government is showing that it is willing to sacrifice the future of our planet for short-term political gain.
Global Newsletter #80: People Power Stops Oil in Ecuador!
The people of Ecuador have voted to ban oil drilling in the Amazon. And that’s not the only good news in this issue.
Global Newsletter #79: A Tale of Two Coal Mines
Whether it be the valleys of Wales or the forests of Turkey, it’s one law for protesters and no laws at all for coal companies.
Global Newsletter #78: How Big Oil Conquered COP
Big Oil has always had a seat at the table of the UN’s climate negotiations, but with COP28 it’s running the show.
An interview with Charles Curtin, Ecologist
American ecologist Charles Curtin has worked with rural communities on environmental projects for most of his life. In this interview he reflects on things he's learnt and how they might help XR.
Global Newsletter #77: The Mother of All Rebellions
The world our children will live in looks ever more terrifying. Rebel mothers are refusing to look away.
My Climate Story
Climate awareness leader David Jesero, raised on a Ugandan farm by his grandmother, traces his climate journey, including a crucial discovery.
Global Newsletter #76: Big Enough?
XR UK disavowed disruption to focus on increasing rebellion attendance. But was The Big One big enough?
Newsletter XTRA #76
Everything we couldn’t fit into Global Newsletter 76, including actions in in Denmark, Rwanda, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Norway, Sweden and more…
Oceans: Our Unsung Heroes
A look at the role oceans play in our ecosystems, why they are important to fighting climage change and sustaining life on Earth, and how we can protect them.
Global Newsletter #75: The War For Water Begins
As temperatures rise and water becomes scarce, governments are using weapons of war against their own people to control it.
Newsletter XTRA #75
Everything we couldn’t fit into Global Newsletter 75, including actions in Australia, Croatia, Guyana, Norway, USA, & more...
The Broadening Reach of Red Rebels
A brief video of Red Rebels, shot by filmmaker Jonathan P. Schwartz, shows the power of silence.
Global Newsletter #74: Unite To Survive
Big Oil has never been more powerful. The need for strong alliances across and beyond our movement has never been greater.
Newsletter XTRA #74
Everything we couldn’t fit into Global Newsletter 74, including actions in Australia, Gambia, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, DRC & more...
Why do politicians keep making bad decisions?
Our broken political systems have helped create the climate and ecological emergency; Nick Gill of the Sortition Foundation explores why we need to transform politics and upgrade democracy.
Global Newsletter #73: F**k Davos, Love Degrowth!
Capitalism can’t change gears and is driving us off a cliff. If we want an economy that works, we need to embrace degrowth.
Big Oil's Plastic Apocalypse
Plastic is everywhere around us, even inside us. Read on to see how corporations have deliberately pushed the rise of plastic, its consequences, and how to find our way out of it.
Global Newsletter #72: We Are The 96%
Humanity is wiping out the biodiversity of this planet. Did COP15 inspire governments to reverse the decline?
Newsletter XTRA #72
Everything we couldn’t fit into Global Newsletter 72, including actions in Sweden, Italy, Senegal, USA, Nigeria, UK and more...
Global Newsletter #71: No More Fairytales
COP27 has failed, and our leaders are incapable of keeping to the 1.5°C threshold of the Paris Agreement. What now?
Newsletter XTRA #71
Everything we couldn’t fit into Global Newsletter 71, including actions in Spain, Austria, France, Poland, India, Panama, Scotland, Israel, USA, Norway, and more...
Land reclamation: a little-known environmental catastrophe
Relentless economic growth is driving land reclamation projects around the world - this article explores how they are creating environmental disaster and immiserating human lives.
Hot Take #5: Soil Gets a Break
Hot Take #5 explores a new report backed by global food and drink giants, that suggests the transition to sustainable agricultural methods is being taken seriously. Should we trust it? XR Global's 'Hot Takes' are short-form, in-depth reactions to global environmental stories affecting us right now.
Solarpunk Showcase: "Gabby's First Kiss"
"Gabby's First Kiss" by Joe Tankersley was a winning entry in XR Wordsmith's 2021 Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
Global Newsletter #70: Don’t Obey A System That Is Killing You
While world leaders blow hot air in Egypt, more of us get sucked into climate hell. Mass civil resistance is the answer.
Newsletter XTRA #70
Newsletter XTRA: Everything we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter, inc. actions in New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, India and more!
Hot Take #4: COPs and Robbers
Hot Take #4 explores the potential held by COP27 in all its contradictory, self-limiting and unjust glory. XR Global's 'Hot Takes' are short-form, in-depth reactions to global environmental stories affecting us right now.
Solarpunk Showcase: "The Old Man and the Bird" and "Blood Oil"
"The Old Man and the Bird" and "Blood Oil" by Aël Magnard & Rebecca "Reb" Spring are part of XR Wordsmith's Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
Marine Protected Areas: Protecting the Oceans Or the Status Quo?
Our oceans are in deep trouble, suffering from an onslaught of man-made threats. Are current approaches to protecting it sufficient? Or should we be dreaming bigger?
Global Newsletter #69: Not Brought To You By Coca-Cola
When it comes to action on climate, you can’t beat a real rebellion.
Newsletter XTRA #69
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where everything we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter has its moment to Shine. This month we cover actions in South Korea, USA, Argentina, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and more!
Newsletter XTRA #68
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where rebel actions and other stories we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter have their moment in the sunlight. This month we bring you reports from Peru to Italy, Australia to East Africa, the UK to the USA, and many more…
Global Newsletter #68: Famine is at the Door
Millions are already living through a hellscape of unending extreme weather and food shortages. How many millions more must join them?
Hot Take #3: Pakistan Superfloods - A Call for Action and Justice
Hot Take #3 explores the floods that have devastated Pakistan in recent weeks as a manifestation of the Global North’s reckless disregard for our climatic future and the lives of those most affected. XR Global's 'Hot Takes' are short-form, in-depth reactions to global environmental stories affecting us right now.
Is Climate Change Your Fault?
Can individual lifestyle change help to tackle the climate and ecological emergency, or is it an unhelpful distraction?
Solarpunk Showcase: The Tides Rolled In
'The Tides Rolled In' - one winner of the "19 & Over" category - is part of XR Wordsmith's Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
Newsletter XTRA #67
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where rebel actions and other stories we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter have their moment in the sunlight. This month we bring you reports from across Europe, Australia, Gambia, the US and more…
Global Newsletter #67: Going, Going, Gone!
Congolese peatlands are being auctioned off to oil companies, and the Massai are being evicted from their ancestral lands. But carbon sinks and indigenous knowledge are far too precious to lose.
Hot Take #2: Oil in the DRC: Reparations Not Auctions!
Hot Take #2 examines oil auctions in the DRC, and their structural roots in fossil capital and an unjust international system. XR Global's 'Hot Takes' are short-form, in-depth reactions to global environmental stories affecting us right now.
Hot Take #1: Feel the Heat
Hot Take #1: "Feel the Heat" looks at ongoing heatwaves and wildfires and the unequal destruction they bring. XR Global's 'Hot Takes' are short-form, globally focussed and in-depth reactions to issues affecting the world right now.
Newsletter XTRA #66
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where wonderful rebel actions we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter have their moment to shine.
Global Newsletter #66: Who Owes Who?
Rich countries won’t pay their climate debts. So why should poorer countries pay their financial debts? They should spend the money on climate action instead.
Solarpunk Showcase: "The Happy Wolf", "Dylan Cooler" and "The Future School"
These three stories - winners of the "11 & Under" category - are part of XR Wordsmith's Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
Equality is key: Tackling climate change through Women's rights to inheritance and property ownership
Roya Rahmani - former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States - explores and emphasises the need to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices against women if we are to succesfully mitigate against the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
Newsletter XTRA #65
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where wonderful rebel actions we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter have their moment to shine.
Global Newsletter #65: Fossil Riot!
When it comes to standing up to the fossil fuel industry, your politicians may disappoint but your fellow rebels will never let you down.
Anxiety and Alienation: Navigating Your Relationships in an Age of Climate Crisis
Neil Simpson explores how navigating relationships in an age of climate crisis can be anxiety-inducing and alienating, and what you can do about it. The wonderful original illustrations which enhance Neil's writing were created for XR Global by Dustin Jacobus.
Solarpunk Showcase: "City Starlight" and "The Cemetery"
"City Starlight" and "The Cemetery" by Katrina Eilender are part of XR Wordsmith's Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
Global Newsletter #64: New York, Paris, London
It’s springtime in the Global North, and rebellion has sprouted in three of its iconic cities.
Newsletter XTRA #64
Welcome to Newsletter Xtra, where wonderful rebel actions we couldn’t fit into the main Global Newsletter have their say. This month we bring you reports from Australia, Denmark, Finland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Rwanda, Switzerland, Ukraine, and more…
Debt for Climate: A Call for Solidarity from XR MAPA
Discover how XR MAPA, and a coalition of grassroots groups from labour, indigenous communities, social and environmental movements across the Global South and North, are organising decentralised actions at the time of the G7 in the campaign Debt for Climate.
Protecting Nature: Why the Words We Use Matter
Language we use to talk about nature shapes our thoughts and attitudes towards it. The words we use matter: yet mainstream 'nature speak' is problematic, and damaging.
Global Newsletter #63: Rebellion Everywhere All at Once!
In the last month, XR held two global rebellions and launched a national one using new tactics, new alliances, and a new demand. It’s almost too much for one newsletter to handle.
Solarpunk Showcase: "Where Giants Will Stand"
"Where Giants Will Stand" is part of XR Wordsmith's Solarpunk Showcase. Solarpunk offers a vision of what the future could be, not what it will be. We can’t rely on others to make it happen - if it’s a future we want, it’s down to all of us to make it real.
The ‘Desert’ was Already Blooming: Palestine, Colonialism and Global Climate Justice
The destructive links between colonialism and climate breakdown experienced by Palestinians are a product of climate injustice. They are felt by marginalized communities around the world. Recognition and action taken through a ‘justice lens’ is the only viable response.
Global Newsletter #62: The Women Strike Back!
To mark International Women’s Day, a grassroots coalition of women activists launched a Climate Strike right across the world.
XR UKRAINE STATEMENT: Appeal for United Response Against Fossil-Fuelled Terror
A call to action: XR Ukraine's statement appealing for a united response against "fossil-fuelled terror", written just before the Russian invasion began.
Global Newsletter #61: Kill The Spills
Oil spills have already devastated multiple coastlines this year. Rebels all over the world rose like water to protect the oceans.
Brazil Is On Fire: Healing the lungs of our home
Brazil is on fire! A long history of extractivism in the region is destroying the "lungs of the planet", but there is still hope...
Global Newsletter #60: Resistance Is Fertile
We celebrate some precious victories for XR, and investigate the new climate groups making headlines around the world.
The Full Report: New Kids On The Block(ade)
Eco-activism is thriving and new groups are popping up everywhere. We spoke to four that hit the headlines last year to find out where they came from, where they are going, and what their relationship is with XR.
The Fallout From Faraway Fires: Nine Alarming Facts About Wildfire Smoke
The devastating effects of wildfires extend further than their flames. With no respect for geographical borders, find out why wildfire smoke is the silent killer that hits the most vulnerable hardest.
Global Newsletter #59: Face Your Fear
Eco-anxiety is on the rise worldwide. But what is eco-anxiety? How does it manifest? What should you do if you have it? Read on.
Global Newsletter #58: The End of The World As We Know It
COP26 has failed and world leaders have left 1.5C to die, while breathing new life into the fossil fuel industry.
Global Newsletter 57: COP IS KILLING US
While the leaders of the Global North sink to new depths at COP26, rebels in the Global South have risen up.
xr cop: Tunisian Industrial Disaster: Activist Group ‘Stop Pollution’ Protests Against the Tunisian Government
Activists in Tunisia protested in the wake of an industrial disaster in the city of Gabes that took the lives of 6 and injured many more.
xrcop: XR Nigeria acts to spread the word about lack of access to clean water
XR Nigeria demands action: 30% of Nigerians do not have access to clean water near their homes
Global Newsletter #56: Preparing For The Worst
While the world burns, ministers met in Milan for Pre-COP, a warm up summit for the main event in Glasgow.
xr cop: Georgian grassroots activists and the movement to oppose a dam
Georgian grassroots activists have built a movement to oppose a dam on the Riona river that threatens biodiversity, local livelihoods and cultural heritage in the region.
xr cop: The Congo Basin - fighting for the survival of the world’s second largest rainforest and its indigenous people
In the run-up to COP26 in Glasgow, XR Global is sharing global stories of climate and ecological injustice to underline the need for genuinely equitable and just outcomes from the conference if it is to have any meaningful impact. This piece explores the deforestation in the Congo Basin through the eyes of local activist and community organizer James who is working tirelessly to protect and regenerate this vital and magnificent forest.
COP26: False Hopes and Well-Founded Fears
UN COP's have provided a great deal of false hope over the years. Could this time really be any different or are fears that COP is unfit for purpose well-founded?
Global Newsletter #55: Power to the People! Rebellion Returns!
After a season of extreme weather and complacent politicians, a wave of rebellion has swept across Europe.
Global Newsletter #54: Can We Count On COP?
COP26 is being billed as the moment when our politicians will finally act on the Climate Crisis. But what’s so special about COP26? And why did the previous 25 end in failure?
What is wrong with the fashion industry and how can we fix it?
While our bursting wardrobes may make us feel more 'complete' for a little while, it’s the environment which is bearing the devastating cost. The personal wardrobe has become intensely political, and it’s time we all got informed.
NEWSLETTER XTRA #53
This month Newsletter Xtra brings you reports from Australia, Czech Republic, Spain, Ireland, the USA and many more...
Global Newsletter #53: Nowhere Is Safe
The devastating heat wave that hit mild regions of North America has shown that the Climate & Ecological Crisis can strike anywhere.
Global Newsletter #52: The Not So Magnificent Seven
Rebels were determined to make this G7 different. But the leaders of the seven wealthiest democratic nations have failed us yet again.
Let's Get Wild - Rewilding to Save the Planet
As ecosystems around the world suffer on the verge of collapse, rewilding could be a method to help save the planet’s biodiversity—and in turn, ourselves
xrcop: XR Université de Goma - Spreading the message with street performance and dance
Two dancers in costumes made of plastic bottles performed in the street surrounded by curious passersby. Together with local artists, Extinction Rebellion activists marked World Water Day in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
NEWSLETTER XTRA #51
This month Newsletter Xtra brings you rebel reports from France, America, South Africa, Scotland, Australia, Indonesia and more...
Global Newsletter #51: The Power of One
Rebellion of One is a new way to rebel using multiple one-person roadblocks. It’s happening all over the world and it works!
xrcop: XR Universities Uganda puts on an action for World Water Day
In March, XR Universities Uganda organised an action for World Water Day on Lake Victoria. Read this article to find out more!
Anthropocene: The Definition, The Debate, and You
Holocene holdouts have a huge financial stake in the rest of us keeping our heads in the sand.
10 Facts About Sea Level Rise That Might Surprise You
For a long time the ocean has been our greatest friend, but deep trenches have formed in this relationship that are manifesting in terrifying ways – and our species is entirely to blame.
NEWSLETTER XTRA #50
Actions from across the world that we couldn't cram into the main newsletter this month
Global Newsletter #50: The Scientists Have Had Enough
Scientists are rising up! And any scientific institution that accepts the climate crisis but doesn’t act as if there is one is a target.
xrcop: Rebels build relationships during XR COP's global conversations
XR COP Action recently linked groups of rebels from all over the world to discuss and share their ideas and experiences in the run up to COP26.
Does Extinction Rebellion Offer Any Solutions?
People sometimes ask why XR doesn’t propose specific solutions to the climate and ecological emergency - the answer is that it’s a deliberate choice and it isn’t just because it’s too difficult...
XR UNCHAINED #49
Actions from across the world that we couldn't cram into the main newsletter this month
Global Newsletter #49: You Are an Animal
How Animal Rebellion, a sister movement to Extinction Rebellion, has a plant-based vision that’s growing all over the world.
What is regenerative agriculture and can it feed the world?
Our mainstream agricultural system is at war with nature. Is there another way? Discover a hopeful alternative in our new article.
A Guide to Carbon Capture and Storage
Can we suck carbon dioxide out of industry? Kind of. One option is carbon capture and storage. So why aren't we using it, and why it is so controversial?
A Case for Justice for Climate Refugees
Climate refugees are people who have fled their homes because of changes in the environment. But where are they, and what can be done to help them?
XR UNCHAINED #48
Actions from across the world that we couldn't cram into the main newsletter this month
Global Newsletter #48: Citizens Assemble!
Our political systems are failing us. Citizens’ assemblies can break the deadlock and deliver the climate policies we need.
Biodiversity: What is it, how are we losing so much of it, and why does it matter?
What would happen if the bees disappeared? How do the threats of mass species extinction threaten our way of life? How can we stop this?
XR Unchained #19
"The seedling of resistance has been sown and is sprouting everywhere! We are weeds that don’t go away, weeds that break through asphalt!"
Global Newsletter #47: The law of the land
Activists around the world are using existing laws, and creating new ones, to force governments and corporations to act on the climate crisis.
XR Fundamentals: Go Beyond Politics
Extinction Rebellion calls for action on the climate and ecological emergency with three demands. The third demand, ‘Go Beyond Politics’, is that governments must form citizens’ assemblies and act on their recommendations.
XR Fundamentals: Tell the Truth
We demand that governments everywhere tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with the public, businesses and other institutions to communicate this urgent need for change.
Global Newsletter #46: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!
Governments’ pledge to cut emissions while their economies profit from fossil fuels and ecocide with impunity.
How to have a conversation with a climate change sceptic
Trying to communicate about the climate crisis can be frustrating. Here's how to avoid some of the pitfalls that can shut down the conversation.
Do we really only have ten years to save the planet?
The following decade is going to be crucial for climate action. If our governments continue in their neglect, the results could be catastrophic.
Hope in the Amazon: Interview with Jimmy Piaguaje
Writers Rebel interviews Jimmy Piaguaje, a young indigenous activist from Ecuador's northern Amazon region.
Global Newsletter #45: Our Lungs Won't Last
Politics may feel renewed - but in every corner of the world our forests are under attack. And when they’re gone, so are we.
XR Unchained #18
Actions from across the world that we could cram into the newsletter this month
What is the Connection Between Extreme Weather and Climate Change?
Extreme weather is undeniably linked to manmade heating of the planet. But the extent of the link has been disputed for years. Science, however, show us that it is stronger than most people think.
Voice of the Living Forest: Interview with Indigenous Resistance Leader José Gualinga
José Gualinga is a leader of the Native People of Sarayaku, an indigenous Kichwa group with 1400 inhabitants living in a remote part of Ecuador’s southern Amazon.
15 Examples of Civil Disobedience (Which Have Made a Difference)
Refusing to comply with laws seems like a drastic measure. But these 15 examples of civil disobedience show that doing so can be a crucial driver of important social change.
There Is Always Hope: How Monterey Bay Came Back From the Brink
This is the story of how a few individuals confronted an environmental disaster and worked to transform it into an ecological treasure.
Global Newsletter #44
Fresh from the streets of Austria, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rebels are rebelling! Yet another Global Newsletter rippling with all your latest news and stories.
How to stop funding fossil fuels by moving to an ethical bank
One of the most important acts of collective power we can make in the fight against climate change is to switch banks.
Global Newsletter #43
A global wave of (rock and) rolling rebellions is upon us. With immense courage, cunning and care, rebels are returning to the streets in a dozen countries all across the globe.
XR Fundamentals: Act Now
The future is coming for us — faster than we imagined. Destruction that was forecast to unfold decades from now is already here.
