Normally my blog focuses on topics like sustainable fashion, trending environmental topics and eco-friendly tips. I thought I'd mix it up on this post and try something a little different. It's no secret thousands of people flocked to the White House last week for the "Forward on Climate" protest. Demonstrators are more than passionate about stopping approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline will be able to transport 830,000 gallons of crude oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and President Obama has delayed making an official decision twice already. Reports claim upwards of 50,000 people engaging in the rally and nearly fifty people have already been arrested, including Daryl Hannah, renowned environmental actress. Some are calling it the biggest environmental rally in U.S. history. One thing is for certain, no matter the outcome, the Keystone XL decision will leave a lasting mark on Obama's time in office.
It's hard to ignore a protest of 50,000 strong. That's why I set out to find a few interesting environmental protests and demonstrations. Let's just say some people have a creative way of making a point.
1. The World Naked Bike Ride
"Celebrating freedom from oil and the beauty of people." The World Naked Bike Ride is more than comfortable with nudity but just isn't okay with our dependence on oil. The event is offered in 70 cities in 20 countries worldwide and demonstrates cycling as an alternative transportation method. Cyclists aren't afraid to get decked out and maybe even splash on some body paint. Use caution when browsing search engines for this event!
2. "Climate Change: A Matter of Life or Death"
In March 2009, protesters marched in a mock funeral outside Coventry Cathedral in England and even erected a symbolic headstone during the Climate Change Day of Action.
3. Rappelling in Rio
In 2002, Greenpeace activists rappelled from the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro in protest to the results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
4. Berkeley Tree Sitting Protest
Several tree sitters at the University of California at Berkeley occupied one of the school's oak and redwoods trees for 21 months in 2007-2008 in protest to proposed plans for a new athletic center. After the injunction was lifted allowing construction to begin, five people were arrested and charged with trespassing after planting an acorn sapling on the chancellor's lawn. Protesters eventually climbed down and the event ended peacefully.
5. Protesters Glue Themselves Together in Protest of Keystone Pipeline
To wrap up my post, I just had to find out more about the Keystone XL pipeline protest. In January 2013, eight people occupied TransCanada's (the multinational corporation to build the pipeline) corporate office and proceeded to super glue themselves together, chain their ankles and wrists and sit in a circle. The protesters commented their actions were used as a last resort for the U.S. government to understand how deadly the Keystone pipeline will be for the environment.
These five examples are only a few of the most interesting and recent cases of environmental activists and protests going to creative lengths to make a point. Leave comments about the protests you feel should make the list!
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