In the chaotic scene that unfolded at London’s National Gallery in October 2022, two protesters from the group Just Stop Oil made headlines by throwing tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s renowned “Sunflowers” painting. The act, led by Phoebe Plummer, aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for climate action. Despite the painting being safely shielded by glass and left unharmed, the soup-throwers faced severe criticism. Piers Morgan, a prominent British media personality, condemned the incident as “childish, petty, pathetic vandalism,” while others warned of the potential negative impact on public support for environmental causes. However, Just Stop Oil remained undeterred, continuing their disruptive activities across the city.
The group’s bold actions extended beyond the National Gallery incident, with subsequent protests including spray-painting Stonehenge, securing themselves to soccer goalposts, and obstructing traffic during rush hour, resulting in numerous arrests. These events prompted journalists Alessandra Ram and Samantha Oltman to delve deeper into the motivations behind Just Stop Oil’s controversial tactics. The duo, who left their jobs to pursue this investigation, gained insight into the group’s training methods for handling police confrontations and documented their experiences in the popular podcast series “Sabotage.” The podcast, which recently concluded its run, explores the effectiveness of radical activism in combating climate change and has sparked discussions on the impact of such actions.
Ram and Oltman, founders of the production company Good Luck Media, sought to share compelling stories that challenge conventional narratives, particularly those related to climate change. Through their podcast, the duo uncovered unexpected angles of the Just Stop Oil movement, shedding light on personal stories, financial support structures, and the broader implications of their activities. Despite initial challenges in gaining the trust of the activists, the journalists approached their subjects with curiosity and openness, revealing the strategic thinking behind seemingly outlandish stunts. The podcast’s success in engaging audiences and generating discussions reflects a growing recognition of the effectiveness of unconventional protest methods in driving social change.
The culmination of Just Stop Oil’s efforts came in the form of a significant victory, as the United Kingdom announced a ban on new drilling licenses for oil and gas in response to mounting pressure from the group. This achievement marked a turning point for the activists, who declared their intention to shift focus following the successful campaign. As they bid farewell to their high-profile demonstrations, speculation lingers about the group’s future endeavors under a new banner. Despite the controversy surrounding their methods, Just Stop Oil’s impact on environmental policy underscores the potential of grassroots movements to influence government decisions and shape public discourse on pressing issues.
