We face austerity, privatisation, and toxic influence. But we are growing, and cannot be beaten
From climate shocks to climate action
Social scientist DANA R FISHER speaks to Ian Sinclair about the efficacy of disruptive actions carried out by groups such as Just Stop Oil, the conditions that might generate a truly mass climate mobilisation, and what a win for Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential election would mean
Just Stop Oil protesters take part in a walking protest blocking Whitehall in central London. Picture date: Monday November 6, 2023
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EARLIER this year Professor Dana R Fisher, of the American University in Washington DC, published Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action, a short book on the worsening climate crisis and how concerned citizens can win the systematic change needed to successfully address the existential threat.
IS: It is commonly believed, even by many on the left of the political spectrum, that disruptive, shocking actions carried out by groups such as Just Stop Oil are detrimental to their cause and the wider climate movement. What does your own work, and the wider research evidence, say about this?
DRF: Although confrontational activism is unpopular (and has been since at least the time of the civil rights movement), activism that involves non-violent civil disobedience is well documented to expand movements, draw attention to issues and expand support for an issue (but not a specific group or social movement tactic).
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