ABOUT US
We are a network of people who care deeply about the future of our planet, all human beings, and all living things. We are from diverse backgrounds and experiences – but come together in Extinction Rebellion because we are living in a time of Climate and Nature Emergency and want to contribute, in our various ways, to making things better.
Our Story
Extinction Rebellion began in 2018 with a Declaration of Rebellion which led to 10,000 people protesting on the streets of London in 2019 and parliament declaring a Climate Emergency. XR is now a global movement, made up of 1080 national, regional and local groups of people who want urgent action to stop carbon emissions, protect the natural world and all we love.
We believe ordinary people have the power to change things and that we are stronger together, since time and again governments have shown they cannot be trusted to act for us. Whether we play a role in supporting local campaigns, or join in big national protests, there are numerous different contributions people make to the movement.
Our Three Demands
Tell The Truth
All institutions must communicate the danger we are in. We must be clear about the extreme cascading risks humanity now faces, the injustice this represents, its historic roots, and the urgent need for rapid political, social and economic change.
Act Now
Every part of society must act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025* and begin protecting and repairing nature immediately. The whole of society must move into a new precautionary paradigm, where life is sacred and all are in service to ensuring its future.
*When XR was launched in 2018, 2025 was a realistic date, seven years in the future, with plenty of time to do what was needed. We keep this target to show how much time has been lost.
Decide Together
We demand a culture of participation, fairness and transparency. The Government must create and be led by a Citizens’ Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice. Only the common sense of ordinary people will help us navigate the challenging decisions ahead.
How we take action
At the core of Extinction Rebellion’s philosophy is Nonviolent Direct Action. It is built on a long history of successful civil disobedience campaigns, from Indian Independence to the American Civil Rights Movement, and evidence of how nonviolent social movements can create change. But the Climate and Nature Emergency presents us with a deeper challenge than a single issue campaign, as it impacts everyone, in all corners of the Earth, in all aspects of their lives. In order to achieve the transformation our world needs, Extinction Rebellion aims to mobilise large numbers of people, work with other climate and environmental groups, and achieve a wide spectrum of support across society.
Extinction Rebellion’s actions are peaceful, powerful and creative, which tell a story about the dangers we face. Our actions focus on disrupting the seats of power held by politicians, fossil fuel companies and their financiers, insurers and lobbyists, who are threatening our future for the sake of personal gain.
People take part in and support peaceful actions in numerous ways, from holding banners to acting as stewards, designing leaflets to talking to people. Whatever role you are comfortable playing, whether on the streets, or behind the scenes, there is a place for you. Some members of XR choose to take part in arrestable actions – but many choose not to risk arrest, and contribute in other ways.
Our Structure
Extinction Rebellion is run by a Self-Organising System which means that individuals and groups are empowered to take action if they follow our Principles and Values. We welcome new people, and care about each person in Extinction Rebellion. We are all crew – every person’s contribution will help us to succeed.
Our Principles and Values
Anyone who takes action in pursuit of XR’s three demands and follows these core principles and values can do it in the name of Extinction Rebellion.
- We have a shared vision of change: Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.
- We set our mission on what is necessary: Mobilising 3.5% of the population to achieve system change – such as “momentum-driven organising” to achieve this.
- We need a regenerative culture: Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.
- We openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system: Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.
- We value reflecting and learning: Following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.
- We welcome everyone and every part of everyone: Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
- We actively mitigate power: Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.
- We avoid blaming and shaming: We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.
- We are a non-violent network: Using nonviolent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
- We are based on autonomy and decentralisation: We collectively create the structures we need to challenge power.