Climate protesters from the group Just Stop Oil made headlines on January 13, 2025, by defacing the grave of British naturalist Charles Darwin at Westminster Abbey. The two activists, Alyson Lee and Di Bligh, used orange chalk spray to inscribe the message "1.5 Is Dead" on the iconic grave, marking their protest against government inaction on climate change and the exceeding of the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit agreed upon by world leaders during the Paris Agreement.
The incident occurred around 10 AM GMT, prompting swift action from security personnel at the Abbey. Metropolitan Police were called to the scene shortly after and arrested the activists on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
Speaking to reporters, Alyson Lee, 66, voiced her concerns about the dire state of climate action, stating, "We are trying to get the government to act on climate change. They are not doing enough." Meanwhile, Di Bligh, 77, emphasized the urgency of their message, elaborately explaining, “We’ve done this because there’s no hope for the world, really. We’ve done it on Darwin’s grave because he would be turning in his grave knowing we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction.”
The act of protest follows alarming reports from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, which indicated last year was the warmest on record globally, marking the first time average global temperatures surpassed the 1.5C threshold above pre-industrial levels. This startling statistic serves as the foundation for Just Stop Oil's message at such a historic site, known for its royal weddings, coronations, and as the final resting place for figures like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
Lee added, "Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, we have already exceeded the so-called safe temperature rise of 1.5 degrees, and are heading for over 3 degrees of warming. This rapidly accelerating crisis means huge parts of the world will become unable to support life, resulting in millions of refugees, social collapse, and extinction for countless species." The activists voiced their frustration over what they see as empty promises from world leaders, stressing the need for immediate and effective action.
Di Bligh invoked Darwin’s own words, stating, "Darwin once said - 'It is not the strongest of the species, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change, working cooperatively against common threats.'" This allusion served to underline their call for unity and cooperation against the looming threats posed by climate change.
Westminster Abbey issued a statement confirming the incident, reassuring the public, "The Abbey's conservators are taking immediate action to clean the memorial and do not anticipate any permanent damage." They emphasized the Abbey remains open for visits and worshippers, not allowing the protest to overshadow its significance.
The police, after assessing the situation, confirmed the two women had been detained and taken to a central London police station. Just Stop Oil has been vocal about the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, and this protest is not their first. They have staged various high-profile demonstrations aimed at raising awareness about fossil fuel use, often using attention-grabbing tactics to highlight their message.
While the act of defacing Darwin's grave has sparked significant discussions, it stands as a symbolic gesture demonstrating the activists' desperation for change. Their message is clear: government action must align with scientific realities, and time is running out. They highlighted the catastrophic consequences of climate neglect, referencing current events such as devastating wildfires ravaging California, which have been exacerbated by climate breakdown.
With the message "1.5 Is Dead," Just Stop Oil aims to capture attention and reinforce the urgency of the climate crisis. This protest not only reflects their frustrations but also serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities faced by current generations.
A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil concluded, "Humanity will not be able to adapt to what is coming. We are on course to lose everything, and politicians are doing nowhere near enough to prevent it.” The protest at Westminster Abbey encapsulates the rising tensions around climate action and reflects broader societal concerns over the failing efforts to combat climate change.
Despite receiving backlash for their unconventional methods, Just Stop Oil continues to inspire debates about climate policy and the direction world leaders must take. Both Alyson Lee and Di Bligh have called for mass civil disobedience, urging others to join them on the streets to push for urgent climate actions, reframing their protest from mere vandalism to political activism aimed at saving future generations.
This incident at Westminster Abbey not only spotlights the intersection of climate activism and historical heritage but also reinforces the urgency for immediate societal and governmental change to address the growing climate crisis we face today.