It’s 2025… now what?
January 17, 2025 by Extinction Rebellion
Lack of action is a death sentence for millions of people, including people right here in the UK.
XRUK on 2025, at a glance:
- Yes it’s 2025, no we are not backing down
- Yes, we were right to call for net zero by 2025 as per our Second Demand – the evidence is everywhere
- Every tenth of a degree temperature increase we prevent can save 100 million or more lives, so we must continue to rebel
It’s now official that in 2024, global average temperatures exceeded the target limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Meanwhile, the 1% of wealthiest people in the world burned through their carbon budget for the whole of 2025 in just 10 days. All while the UK government is still failing to take the urgent action that is needed.
It’s now 2025—the year XR said the UK should get to net-zero carbon emissions. Instead, global emissions have continued to rise. So, what do we do? Do we give up? No. It is true that every 0.1°C of additional warming exposes another 100 million people to unliveable heat. But this also means that for every tenth of a degree we prevent, we can protect 100 million lives. So we must press on, with unwavering determination and unyielding resolve.
To say our leaders have ‘failed’ implies they tried. They haven’t. Political leaders delayed and denied. As we predicted, the new government’s actions have been equally disappointing and lethally inadequate:
- No commitment to a stronger net zero target.
- Pledging billions of taxpayers’ money on non-solutions lobbied for by oil companies.
- Expanding aviation.
- Subsidising the burning of trees by Drax after accepting their donation.
- No coherent plan across the entire economy.
- Locking up activists using laws written by the fossil fuel companies while the climate criminals walk free.
And we know why. The mega-wealthy 1% whisper in the ears of our politicians, news editors and judges, urging them to maintain ‘business as usual’ as long as possible. Just last month, climate change denial group Heartland, funded by the mega rich and fossil fuel industry, opened its UK branch. While the richest 1% control our institutions, XR’s three demands remain out of reach.
Imagine, for a moment, the government had listened and decided to Act Now…
2025’s Big Transition away from fossil fuels is under way. The UK government brought a group of everyday people together, reflecting society as a whole, randomly selected and carefully briefed on the science, social and economic impacts, presented with evidence from those with lived experiences. They decided on a plan forward that is fair, sustainable and long-term.
Already, our air is cleaner. Our rivers and lakes are clearer. Nature is recovering.
Workers employed in carbon intensive jobs have received financial support to bridge the transition and are being retrained to work on sustainable projects. With renewable energy rolling out, there is no cost of living crisis. Multinational corporations are losing court cases and being forced to pay for the damages they’ve caused.
This is the future we all want.
This year, XR will act with greater determination, grit, and focus. Yes, we’ll continue building communities and fostering solidarity. But make no mistake: we’ll also expose and hold accountable those most responsible.
WHO: This will include oligarchs, their lapdog media, their think tanks and their assets.
HOW: We will continue to build our radically inclusive community of rebels, through joyful human connection, by creativity and love, by holding on to the truth and by showing vision, determination and courage. And most of all: through inspiring nonviolent direct action.
It can be easy to feel defeated and overwhelmed in these times. But together we’re going to take action. Join with others who recognise the reality of the situation we’re in, and change the course of history.
We have no time to waste. In this emergency, together, rooted in love, we are all we need.
Things you can do right now:
- Check out our Messaging Pack to amplify our 2025 mission.
- Like and share our socials – @xrebellionuk
- Look out for the new Actions Strategy, coming soon!