The emerging threat of eco-extremism demands closer attention. We must not normalize their criminal behaviour
Canadian politicians should recognize that eco-extremist activists in the West are shifting from legitimate protest to criminality.
Authorities must not normalize the dangerous and criminal acts committed by eco-extremists. Britain has led the way in charging extremists who cross into criminal behaviour. Canada should consider following suit.
Police monitoring eco-extremist activity know these groups share tactics if they prove effective in at least one locale. For example, U.S. anti-logging protesters practiced tree spiking, a dangerous act endangering sawmill workers, to protest deforestation. The RCMP has investigated similar incidents in B.C.
In 2021, environmentalist David Suzuki got into hot water after suggesting pipelines would be blown up if politicians didn’t address climate issues. He later apologized for his thoughtless remark.
While remarks like Suzuki’s may occasionally stir controversy, the underlying issue of eco-extremism in Canada demands closer scrutiny. In April, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy released a study examining the looming eco-extremist threat in Canada.
On February 17, 2022, for example, nearly 20 masked assailants attacked a remote Coastal GasLink pipeline work site. According to the RCMP, they terrorized nine nightshift workers, disabled lighting and surveillance to hide their dark deeds, and used heavy equipment to cause significant damage. The RCMP reported that the attackers used smoke bombs and fire sticks against responding officers.
These extremists carried out a co-ordinated attack intending to intimidate individuals and the energy company. The RCMP identified the attackers as likely “anarchists.” If one examines their rhetoric, one can see that they were likely influenced by the ‘decolonization’ ideology popular in universities. They normalize attacks on pipelines due to their alarmist climate change ideology.
Canadians can see how activists have become radicalized and glorify criminal acts by visiting the Montreal Counter-Information website, which shares tips on pipeline sabotage and other criminal acts.
Eco-extremist groups like Extinction Rebellion – which specializes in infiltrating oil and gas sector meetings and gluing themselves to doors – are emerging in Canada. We ought to pray that Just Stop Oil, based in the UK, does not try to import its dangerous and criminal tactics here. This group is known for lying down on busy roads and bridges, causing chaos.
UK police arrested Just Stop Oil extremists for planning to disrupt airports this past summer. Such actions could easily result in harm or death. BJ Harrington, chief constable of Essex Police, warned in 2022 that it is “only a matter of time” before someone is killed by a Just Stop Oil protest. His warning followed the deaths of Dr. Habiba Hajallie and Lisa Webber, which many linked to traffic chaos caused by a Just Stop Oil stunt.
Witnesses said police diverted traffic because two Just Stop Oil protesters had suspended themselves over a bridge on the Dartford Crossing. Former Detective Chief Inspector Mick Neville told British media: “Had their irresponsible demo not taken place, the women and van driver would probably not have been there.” The two eco-extremists received historic jail sentences for criminal nuisance.
Essex Police also reported in December 2023 that traffic delays caused by Just Stop Oil antics prevented a woman in advanced pregnancy from getting urgent medical help.
Many activists, influenced by extreme climate alarmist ideology, believe humanity is on the brink of extinction and justify extreme, even criminal acts to gain public attention.
This pattern of normalized eco-extremism must be addressed. Educational institutions and opinion leaders must promote legitimate climate science instead of extreme ideologies. Politicians and police must condemn attempts to normalize attacks on pipelines.
We have a lot of work to do to make our society safe from eco-extremists willing to commit reckless, dangerous, and criminal acts in the name of their misguided beliefs.
Joseph Quesnel is a senior research fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
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