Why did climate activists disrupt Premier League football games?

Nathan McGovern (22) along with other members of the group Just Stop Oil, took to the field of four Premier League games in late March 2022 and attempted to tie themselves to the goalposts. Many fans assumed these young people were merely streakers so jeered as they were effectively removed by security. However, there is more to these actions than mere silliness.

Just Stop Oil have been engaging in civil disobedience, a form of resistance whereby protestors refuse to obey the commands of an incumbent power but do not resort to any form of violence.

In today’s episode, Nathan tells us why they are so motivated to protest the current unsustainable status quo. He explains why they chose football fields to raise extra awareness about the lack of action from the British government in transitioning the UK away from fossil fuels.

One can absolutely question the effectiveness of such drastic tactics and Just Stop Oil are accepting the legal consequences of their actions. But what is unquestionable is the bravery shown by these people; putting their bodies on the line to make the world a better place in the long term.