A Jesmond-based member of Extinction Rebellion has exhorted residents to take action against the climate crisis at a talk this month organised by Friends of Jesmond Library.

Extinction Rebellion is a climate activist group that is mostly known for its disruptive acts which are considered non-violent acts of civil disobedience.

It has been the focus of controversy since its first action in October 2018 in London. In the following weeks, the UK capital’s five major bridges were blocked by the activists.

“It’s a way of breaking the law peacefully, plus, disruption is the only way for people to notice and listen,” said Chris Riches.

In September 2020, London was, once again, the victim of XR. The police arrested around 300 protesters, including Riches.

Riches, who is also the co-ordinator of Extinction Rebellion’s group at Newcastle University, expressed his extreme concern about the future of our planet in his talk.

“There is an emergency however we are not acting accordingly. I strongly believe that if we act together, huge benefits will be experienced,” he said.

Riches claimed the climate crisis was killing people. “Poorer countries experience famine, others experience extreme weather,” he said, citing the Australian wildfire.

Jesmond resident and environmental campaigner Tony Waterston said the disruptions, which are mainly traffic-related through setting roadblocks, was eye-catching.

Jesmond reportedly counts around 15 active environmental groups, and Riches encouraged people of all ages to get involved by taking part in one of the scheduled meetings of their Facebook page. People under the age of 25 can also take actions by entering Extinction Rebellion Youth Group.

“XR has three demands: the first one is, to tell the truth, second is that we act now, and third that we go beyond politics,” he said.