As Extinction Rebellion pauses disruptive tactics, what have its climate protests achieved?

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. That Halloween, hundreds of people gathered at UK Parliament to protest the government’s failure to tackle the climate crisis under the banner of the fledgling movement, dubbed “XR” for short. Dr Oscar Berglund, a lecturer in international public and social policy at the University of Bristol who researches climate change activism and Extinction Rebellion, told The Independent that“the assembly isn’t something that people understand.” “But it’s important to remember what has achieved,” he said.“The British public are way more concerned about climate change than they were before, that’s a lasting impact. “We need to be speaking to trade unions and workers who are going to be at the heart of the transition and create a space that’s more accessible for thousands of people to come together, and become impossible for the government to ignore.” Notably, XR has not traditionally affiliated itself with left-wing movements or trade unions, Dr Berglund told The Independent, in comparison to groups like Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain who have been more explict in expressing solidarity. “Although there aren’t many winners long-term from climate change,in the short-term, there are people who gain from leaving things as they are,” Dr Berglund said.