A Bold Climate Protest at the National Gallery
Climate activists from the group “This is Rigged” staged a bold protest at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh on Wednesday, targeting a portrait of King Charles III. The protest aimed to draw attention to the government’s stance on new oil and gas projects and demand more significant action against fossil fuels.
Vandalism with a Historic Message
Two members of “This is Rigged” vandalized the portrait by spray-painting their neon pink logo across King Charles III’s body. Accompanying the logo was a powerful phrase borrowed from the historic Highland Land League, emphasizing the strength of the people over the privileged class. The message was intended to highlight the urgent need for climate action and opposition to new oil and gas licenses.
@Thisis_Rigged protesters spray paint a portrait of King Charles at the National Galleries of Scotland, demanding that the Scottish government oppose all new oil and gas licenses. pic.twitter.com/b5XNYnJqHS
— Rich Felgate (@richfelgate) July 26, 2023
Voices Raised for a Sustainable Future
During the protest, one of the activists glued their hands to the floor and positioned themselves in front of the defaced portrait, demonstrating their dedication to the cause. The protesters voiced their concerns about the Scottish government’s failure to take a strong stance against new fossil fuel projects. They passionately argued that for the sake of future generations, opposition to such ventures is crucial.
Minimal Damage to Artwork
The protest resulted in the closure of the gallery for modern portraits for the rest of the day. However, the National Gallery confirmed that there was no apparent damage to any actual artwork, including the portrait of King Charles III.
Swift Action and Arrests
Authorities acted swiftly, apprehending the two protesters approximately an hour after the incident. The arrest followed their demand for a transition away from the oil and gas industry and a clear plan to support workers in this sector.
Demands for a Sustainable Future
The “This is Rigged” group has been vocal in its demands for the Scottish government to oppose all new fossil fuel projects. Their website outlines the group’s call for a fully funded transition plan for workers in the oil and gas industry. Until these demands are met, the group has threatened to continue its efforts to “shut down the oil and gas industry.”
The Dilemma of Environmental Advocacy
Despite King Charles III’s advocacy for environmental causes and his vocal stance on climate change, Scotland remains Europe’s largest oil producer and the second-largest gas producer. The protest highlights the tension between environmental advocacy and the country’s ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.
A Call for a Sustainable Future
The protest at Scotland’s National Gallery serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of climate action. It reflects the growing demands from the public for government and industries to prioritize sustainability and transition away from fossil fuels. As climate activists continue to raise their voices and take direct action, the question remains: will those in power heed the call for a sustainable future?
Feature Image: The protesters spray-painted “the people are mightier than a lord” and the This is Rigged logo on King Charles’ portrait. Courtesy: nypost
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