There are many ways in which self defence doesn’t capture the aims of climate action. Self defence, in legislative terms, is a way of defending oneself and one's own interests, and climate action is usually taken to defend others. This is both those in the present who do not have the luxury of time before they face the consequences of a changing climate, and those in the future, who may not have the opportunity to defend themselves from climate change, because our generation’s actions have pushed us too far.

Climate action is, however, self defence in a broader sense of the word; defending human life and human communities, rather than any one individual. As a species ourselves, we are completely intertwined with the wider biological system we live in: 'Earth'. If we choke the lungs of the Planet we will only choke ourselves. If we strangle the Planet’s life system (of clean air, water and natural resources), we, as one of the recipients of these life systems, will only serve to strangle ourselves.

"Climate action can, and in some cases has, been seen as ‘self defence’ by law."

‘Self defence’ is often understood as a reaction of someone who is under (immediate) threat. Climate change may not appear initially to fall under this remit, as many of the worst effects will be felt after the Willie Walsh’s and Donald Trumps of this world are long gone. On the other hand, scientific consensus maintains that action must be taken now, to avoid worst case scenarios. However far away climate change feels, we have to wake up to the fact that it is happening here and now; the threat is immediate and the response also needs to be.

Climate action can, and in some cases has, been seen as ‘self defence’ by law. But in many cases, our laws and institutions protect rich individuals, big businesses and endless economic growth, having little regard for the security of future generations, the protection of natural resources or social justice. This is clear from the case of the Climate 9, who, seeking to defend themselves and others, have instead been found ‘guilty’ by the courts, for the actions they took to shut down a polluting industry.

I belive that, at this juncture of the fight against climate change, climate action should not only be excused as self defence, but accepted and encouraged as the only rational response to possible climate catastrophe. Climate action (in whatever shape or form) can be far more proactive and socially responsible than the finger pointing and lip service which constitutes the sum total of our own government’s reaction to this challenge.

Words: Rosie Slay
Photo: Plane Stupid

Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece written by Rosie Slay (of Plane Stupid) and is not necessarily reflective of Christian Aid and Ctrl.Alt.Shift views.