In the rising tide of climate change activism, technology has become a powerful weapon for those seeking to enact change. The frequency of climate change-driven disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and unexpected floods has triggered a surge in protests worldwide. These activists are leveraging the rapid advancement of technology to amplify their voices, mobilize support, and put pressure on those they believe are contributing to the environmental crisis.

A recent example occurred on August 28, 2023, when Fossil Free London, a group of climate change activists, staged a protest at the National Portrait Gallery exhibit "Paul McCartney: Eyes of the Storm." The protest targeted the gallery’s sponsor, Bank of America, the fourth-largest fossil fuel financier globally. In a carefully orchestrated demonstration, the activists sang parody Beatles songs with lyrics altered to spotlight the bank’s substantial investments in the oil and gas industries. This protest against Bank of America’s role in fossil fuel financing is a testament to the convergence of technology, art, and activism in the fight against climate change.

Climate Activists Target National Portrait Gallery in Protest Against Fossil Fuels

In recent years, climate change-fueled disasters have surged, leading to a corresponding increase in climate change protests. Activists are leveraging advancing technology to instigate meaningful change, with the most recent demonstration taking place at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Activists Rally Against Corporate Sponsor

On August 28, 2023, around 40 members of climate change activist group Fossil Free London staged a protest at the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibit, "Paul McCartney: Eyes of the Storm". The protest wasn’t against the exhibit itself, but rather its sponsor, Bank of America, which is the fourth largest financier of fossil fuels. Green Portfolio reports that between 2016 and 2021, the bank provided a staggering $232 billion to fossil fuel companies and projects.

Protest Details and Demands

During the hour-long demonstration, the activists performed parody Beatles songs with lyrics altered to highlight Bank of America’s ongoing investments in the oil and gas sectors. The bank has previously set a target of reducing emissions from its portfolios by 2030, with an ultimate goal of net zero financed emissions by 2050. However, this "Approach to Zero" goal has been criticized for not including total divestment from the fossil fuel industry.

Impact and Aftermath of the Protest

Following the protest, which lasted only 45 minutes, security evacuated the building and contacted the police, but no arrests were made. Joanna Warrington, one of the activists, described Bank of America’s sponsorship of the National Portrait Gallery as a cynical attempt to draw attention away from its horrendous record on fossil fuel financing.

Next Steps and Future Campaigns

Fossil Free London is set to launch a campaign from October 14 to 20, 2023, dubbed "Oil Money Out October". The campaign is planned to coincide with the annual conference of major oil and gas companies, including Bank of America, Shell, and BP, in London.

Final Remarks

The National Portrait Gallery has been a target for climate activists before, as they continue to challenge the ties between cultural institutions and fossil fuel financiers. While these protests may cause temporary disruption, they serve a vital role in shining a spotlight on the ongoing funding of environmentally destructive industries by major corporations.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to question the alliances between cultural institutions and these corporations, and to demand increased transparency and responsibility from both sides. The future of the arts – and indeed, of our planet – may depend on it.