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Ecologist readers will be familiar with, and in many cases involved in, eco-activism in the UK. Yet rarely does anyone get to see very much of the secretive world behind the environmental direct action community- that small group of people that put their bodies in the way and are not afraid to get arrested to do something about climate change.
A new film, Just Do It, launching on July 15th gives us this glimpse. Director Emily James spent over a year embedded with some of the major direct action groups - the ones mainstream media despair over, and like to portray as terrorists. Just Do It paints a fuller picture and gives us the inside story of who they are and why they do what they do.
And, as an advocate for radical environmental action since our first issue back in 1970, the Ecologist took this opportunity to look more closely at the issues shaping the future direction of Britain's eco-activism movement...
Eco-activism special report:
- Where next for eco-activism in the UK? After the failure of the Copenhagen climate talks, the undercover police scandal, the disbanding of Climate Camp - and the sudden rise of UK Uncut - Bibi van der Zee takes the temperature of Britain's green activism movement
- Joss Garman: coal and runways looked unstoppable until we stopped them. Co-founder of activist group Plane Stupid, Joss Garman reflects on the environmental movements' successes and why, when things look bleaker than ever, we need to remember this
- Tools of resistance: the insiders guide to grassroots direct action Molly James & Dan Glass outline the most powerful tools in the grassroots action toolbox - plus information on how you can get involved
- How to inspire the next generation of eco-activists Constructive engagement, optimism and campaigns that benefit local residents are the best tactics to move eco-activism forward
- Just Do It: the story of modern-day outlaws A new film launching on July 15th gives an in-depth look inside the clandestine world of environmental direct action
Get involved
The Ecologist has, over the years, published a number of guides on powerful tools activists can use to press for change, from the basics such as letter writing, to video activism, data activism,to communicating your campaign and working with the media.
Other resources include:
How to campaign: climate change and energy
Undercurrents: the campaign film pioneers still setting the agenda
How to turn 'clicktivists' into activists
How to stop a supermarket opening up in your area
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