### Just Stop Oil: The Shift from Visibility to Underground Activism
In recent years, the climate activism movement Just Stop Oil (JSO) has found itself transitioning from a prominent, attention-grabbing presence into a more secretive underground operation. This shift comes as the group grapples with mounting pressure and legal constraints that have significantly curtailed its ability to protest openly. Once known for their high-profile demonstrations, such as throwing soup at art pieces and blocking major traffic routes, members of JSO are now retreating to a more clandestine form of activism.
#### The Decline of Public Action
JSO’s public visibility was marked by colorful tactics and a clear message — demanding a halt to new oil and gas projects. However, their approach has garnered fierce criticism from the public and authorities alike, often resulting in widespread backlash against their disruptive methods. Reports indicate that, despite their initial intentions, many saw JSO as a nuisance, leading to strained societal relations. The group’s protests have attracted significant police resources, with estimates revealing almost £20 million spent by the Metropolitan Police on managing these activities in 2023 alone.
The group’s upcoming protest in Central London is poised to be their last hurrah in this chapter of their activism. Sarah Lunnon, co-founder of JSO, has described the event as a “joyful celebration,” marking a conclusion to a campaign that, while achieving some legislative recognition, faced increasingly repressive measures from the state. The official narrative suggests that they have reached their goals, as their dictum against new oil licenses has been acknowledged by government policy. Nevertheless, the realities on the ground tell a different story, as activists admit that enhanced police powers have crippled their operational capacity.
#### Legislative Clampdown
The trajectory of JSO’s decline can be traced back to pivotal legislative changes, notably the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act enacted in 2022. This law transformed how public nuisance is defined and prosecuted, establishing stricter penalties for causing “serious distress” or “serious inconvenience” to the public. The introduction of measures allowing for substantial prison sentences for merely planning a potentially disruptive action marked a drastic shift, putting events like those orchestrated by JSO at significant legal risk.
Moreover, the following year’s updates to the Public Order Act empowered law enforcement further, allowing for proactive measures against protesters who might “lock on” or impede critical infrastructure. This legal landscape has led to a chilling effect on activism, pushing many groups and their members to reconsider their tactics significantly.
#### The Shift to Underground Action
Faced with this oppressive environment, many within JSO have expressed the need to drop the principles of accountability that characterized their earlier methods. New factions, such as Shut the System (STS), have emerged, opting for more radical, non-accountable approaches, including vandalism and direct disruption of corporate facilities. One organizer of STS articulated that traditional forms of protest are no longer sustainable: the risks tied to imprisonment have escalated to a point where activists feel compelled to operate outside of the conventional bounds of activism.
This shift to underground operations raises concerns regarding increased radicalization within the climate movement. While some experts, like Dr. Graeme Hayes from Aston University, express skepticism about the widespread support for such actions, others fear that the freedoms once afforded to dissenters are being eroded, forcing a minority into more aggressive tactics.
#### Alternative Avenues for Protest
Alternatively, some activists are seeking legal ways to create impact. Groups like the Citizen’s Arrest Network (CAN) are using the legal framework unusual for protest, attempting to hold corporate executives accountable for environmental damage by serving them with arrest warrants for “public nuisance.” This inversion of tactics reflects a desperate bid to find new means of protest in an increasingly hostile environment.
As the state continues to stifle voices of dissent, the perception of JSO among the public remains a lingering concern. Polling data indicates that while a majority support climate action, JSO’s controversial methods have alienated a sizable portion of the population. Critics state that JSO’s disruptive actions have overshadowed its commendable goals, complicating the message of urgency around climate change.
#### Future Directions in Climate Activism
Looking ahead, strategists within the climate movement are grappling with what the future holds. Former spokespeople for groups like Extinction Rebellion emphasize the importance of building mass movements over high-impact disruptions that could push potential supporters away. New collaborations aimed at focusing on community-based climate action may emerge, indicating a broader, more inclusive strategy in the face of governmental intransigence.
Despite the challenges, JSO and its affiliates remain resolute that their fight for climate justice will not fade. Activists express a lingering belief in finding innovative ways to challenge governmental policies and maintain public awareness of the climate crisis. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but the spirit of activism appears far from extinguished.