London school children share their views on Extinction Rebellion movement

Two 11 year old school children from Southwark stopped by at the XR campsite to learn more about the movement. Isaac and Laila Motalib-Haque give their differing views on the movement:

Isaac: “It is very important to protest and stand up for what you believe in. Extinction Rebellion are trying to help all of us by protesting more is done to protect the climate. Humans have caused severe destruction to ecosystems. We need to protect our environment and address the damage we are doing before it is too late.

Protesting is essential but it’s important to consider how these Extinction Rebellion protests effect the lives of ordinary people. I think by blocking roads and bridges, they are alienating people and losing support. The inconvenience they cause can be quite major – such as people not being able to get to important hospital appointments.

I can understand why many people may consider them to be selfish and be put off by them when they glue themselves to buildings and roads. I just think, they need to find a more effective way to get their voices heard.

I’m glad I met some members of Extinction Rebellion at their campsite. They were very polite and knowledgeable about the damage caused to our planet. Although I don’t agree with the way in which they protest, I do agree with their message and hope they can work with the government and not against them – as this is the only way to make progress.

Laila: “I believe we can and should do more to protect our planet. Human beings can be selfish and unless we work together – we can not win this fight. Extinction Rebellion do not get the level of support they need.

Their protests are backed by scientific research – the climate really is a huge issue and we do need to tackle this immediately. Activists can be seen as trouble makers or time wasters but it would be foolish not to listen to their concerns and to acknowledge the scientific facts.

I can understand why people may get frustrated with climate activists disrupting their daily lives. They are costing the police and companies lots of money and they are causing damage.

To appreciate them, we need to consider other protesters throughout our history to understand why this type of activism is important and essential. We just have to look at the Peasants Revolt – even though their leader Wat Tyler was killed, it was important to protest in order to get their voices heard.

The Suffragettes movement had to keep protesting – it took 100 years to see the change they were fighting for. Without them, women would not have been able to vote.

Even if our lives are disrupted by Extinction Rebellion, we need to focus on their message and join in whichever way we can so world leaders take climate change more seriously. Sometimes drastic action is the only way to make decision makers listen.

Protests lead to progress!

Main Picture: Laila and Isaac with activist Buzz