As the UK endures a severe heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 37°C tomorrow, and with Prime Minister Andy Burnham chairing an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon to address worsening drought conditions, many are asking: where have all the climate activists gone? The question arises as the country faces one of its hottest summers on record, yet the disruptive protests that characterized the early 2020s have largely disappeared.
From Bridge Blockades to Policy Wins
In the first half of this decade, climate activism was a constant presence. Bridges were obstructed, office buildings sprayed with paint, and motorway traffic slowed to a crawl on a near-weekly basis. That overt activism has now fizzled out, even as summers grow hotter. The shift is partly due to tangible successes: when Just Stop Oil announced it was 'hanging up the hi-vis' in March 2025, the group attributed the decision to the fact that 'demand to end new oil and gas is now government policy' following Labour's general election victory the previous year.
This policy shift was embodied by Ed Miliband, who served as energy secretary with a reputation for environmental zeal. His successor at Defra, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is said to share that passion. More recently, Miliband has taken on the role of foreign secretary, indicating he will place the climate crisis at the heart of his approach to international relations, recognizing that global warming requires global solutions.
Activism's Changing Focus
A cynic might argue that left-wing campaigners have shifted their focus from the environment to other causes, such as the situation in Gaza. Greta Thunberg, the arch-eco warrior, has been a prominent voice in this regard. However, supporters contend that advocating for Palestinians is consistent with the human rights and marginalized people concerns that drive the climate movement, not to mention the catastrophic environmental impact of the bombing itself.
Similarly, Zack Polanski, who became Green Party leader last year, has ramped up anti-billionaire rhetoric while speaking less about the environment. His wildfire press conference last week was the first time many saw him put the issue front and center, suggesting a shift in how environmental issues are framed politically.
What's Next for Climate Action?
Despite the lull in street protests, the issue is far from dormant. A decision is due in the coming weeks on whether to start production at the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field, a move that could reignite public anger and spark new demonstrations. Until then, the immediate concern remains the heatwave, with the Met Office predicting temperatures of 37°C tomorrow, prompting officials to urge sun protection and hydration, even as a partial solar eclipse this evening offers a brief respite from the Sun's intensity.
