Why climate activists Just Stop Oil protest at art galleries and how to avoid being targeted

Just Stop Oil have targeted cultural attractions in the UK over the past year. We wanted to understand what they were trying to achieve but hadn't seen an interview with JSO that wasn't like that scene from Don't Look Up. We invited Eddie Whittingham along to greenloop to explain what JSO's aims are and why they are taking such radical action.

We also asked Prof Colin Davis, Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol, to tell us about the psychology underpinning the tactics of radical action. He also explains how to communicate to overcome climate apathy.

If you want to know what Just Stop Oil want and how radical action works to change public opinion and government policy please watch this.

We surveyed our audience at greenloop (sustainability in visitor attractions conference) after this session and 100% agreed with JSO's aims.

In addition 75% thought that JSO's method of protest is justified, while 25% weren't sure but no-one disagreed.

Timestamps:
0:00 Video begins
Eddie Whittingham - JSO:
0:41 Who are Just Stop Oil?
5:26 Is Just Stop Oil linked to Extinction Rebellion?
6:43 Is JSO just in the UK?
8:08 How is JSO's action funded?
9:17 What has been the progression of JSO's direct action?
13:54 What's JSO's measure of success?
15:36 How does JSO select cultural sector targets?
18:27 Response to the Association of Art Museum Directors' statement
20:28 Response to people who are appalled by JSO targeting cultural institutions
21:53 What could cultural institutions do to avoid being targeted by JSO?
26:50 Why does Eddie risk his future (he has arrested 7 times) to take direct action with JSO?
Prof Colin Davis:
30:35 Climate change apathy and how can we communicate to overcome it? (pluralistic ignorance!)
33:58 What is the psychology behind JSO's action? Why would they risk outrage and alienating the public? Do they know what they're doing? (the activist's dilemma)
39:29 Is JSO's action effective even if most people are outraged and don't know what their aims are? (radical flank effect)
44:36 Discussion about the way activists are (mis)represented in the media. Are JSO just a bunch or students or are there theorists of social change work within direct action groups?
48:11 How do cultural institutions fit as targets for radical climate activists?
52:40 What's the role of the media in choosing what and how to report radical climate activism?
58:03 Is there any evidence to show the effects of direct action through public opinion into policy making?
1:01:38 Is there a way that cultural institutions could work with JSO to avoid being the targets of radical action?