Today sees the free-to-view release of Plan Z: From Lab Coats to Handcuffs, a short but urgent film in which scientists share what compelled them to direct action —and why they are willing to risk their liberty to fight for change.

Watch now on YouTube:

The film follows closely on the heels of Scientists on Survival, a collection of essays and personal stories. As The Ecologist puts it in a review of Scientists on Survival, the book “powerfully demonstrates that, even amidst the dread, there is hope in transformation.” With a foreword by Chris Packham, the book weaves stories from inspirational rebels on the work and passion that drives them.

Where these words may uplift readers in dark times, the film demands action; the power, fear, desperation, and strength of the campaigners shine throughout. Many reflect on the fact that they never anticipated or wanted to take non-violent civil disobedience that would risk their freedom, but they feel that there is no other option open to them. We are faced with the reality that scientists have been warning governments for decades that we need to act urgently to avoid dangerous climate change. Yet these shouts go unheard when the fossil fuel lobby and capital are involved. 

“It’s about protecting people’s lives. Hundreds of millions of people’s lives are at stake,” says Dr Aaron Thierry, an Earth-system scientist. He shares his experience of working as an ecologist in the Arctic, watching in real-time as warming destroyed the world around him. 

Many rebels share stories about studying and working in the belief that their research would make a difference, only to see undeniable statistics thrown aside in favour of new oil and gas. Though scientists are deeply frightened of what is to come, many have found a voice and community through direct action.

“It’s really important to me to be able to look back on my life and know that I tried,” said Dr. Emily Cox, who works in energy policy, reflecting on why she will keep fighting. 

“Plan Z: From lab coats to handcuffs is a truly inspirational film that should be compulsory viewing for everyone in the scientific community. As we face the greatest crisis in human history, this is no time for sitting on the fence. Every scientist should be shouting from the rooftops about our current plight, and demanding action. After all, there are no grant-awarding bodies on a dead planet.” Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at UCL, and author of Hothouse Earth: an Inhabitant’s Guide.

Get tickets for the free online film showing with live Q&A on Thu 8th May 8pm: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/plan-z-film 

Watch the full film now on YouTube:

Join Scientists for XR: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-scientists-for-xr?source=XRUKwebsite

Find out how to obtain an affordable licence to show this film and others in cinemas or pop-up venues. Organising your own screening of a film, or working with a local cinema is a great way to reach a new audience: https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/outreach/page/film-screening