I am having some regrets about writing this article. It comes across as a criticism of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. I actually love both of these groups—because they are active and clearly genuinely care. Yes, I’m a little disappointed that at least Extinction Rebellion is pulling back some. But I don’t fault them for that. I would love to see a huge number of climate activists—much much bigger than we have today—using the whole range of possible tactics from the most modest to the most extreme, culminating in sabotage of fossil fuel infrastructure but avoiding physically targeting any human beings. I feel that refineries and pipelines are analogous to the train track that led to Auschwitz—legitimate and consequential targets to destroy.

My personal focus is additive—I want to build a huge mainstream movement to add some force to those who are already out there doing the work.