Greta Thunberg-inspired protester brings traffic to a standstill: 'Climate denial is child abuse'
A climate change protester reportedly brought traffic in Brisbane to a standstill on Monday after she dangled herself from a tripod on a busy bridge. The protester, identified as 22-year-old Sophie Thompson, shut down both lanes of the Victoria Bridge by climbing up the 10 meter high bamboo structure at around 7:30 am.
Thompson, who in a press release said she was protesting in solidarity with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was holding an umbrella which read "climate denial is child abuse." Thompson also expressed support for "all the school striking children who are sacrificing their futures to protect our climate."
The protester also broadcast the event on Facebook live for around 40 minutes as she demanded 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025. Thompson, during the livestream, talked about her "privilege" and the "British colonialist imperialist system."
"Good morning everyone, I'm currently up a tripod on Victoria bridge in Meanjin, so-called 'Brisbane', blocking two lanes of traffic," she said. "I'm here with a message as a midwife that climate denial is child abuse." The 22-year-old then went on to list four demands, which included 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, for the media to "actually tell the truth" about climate change, and to "dismantle colonial systems of oppression."
"As someone from privilege, I'm using my privilege to demand and practice civil disobedience so we actually get stronger action on climate change," Thompson said. She climbed down the makeshift structure an hour later after police threatened to cut the tripod's legs. "I'd rather come down than you cut the legs so if you just give me a moment," she told the officers.
Thompson, in the press release, stated that she was from the southeast Queensland branch of Extinction Rebellion, a group in the UK that uses civil disobedience to try to force governments to give in to its demands.
Reports state that Extinction Rebellion has a "rebellion week" planned from next Monday, which will start with a march and occupation from Southbank to the CBD on October 7.