loader from loading.io

Just Stop Oil: Nonviolent Protests Get Record Sentences

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 07/26/2024

US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation show art US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation

How To Protect The Ocean

Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean: We explore what this decision signals for global ocean governance and why it could undermine years of conservation progress. Focusing on political motivations and international implications, we ask the hard questions: Are MPAs truly protected if they can be so...

info_outline
AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley show art AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley

How To Protect The Ocean

Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef, about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They discuss how climate change rapidly degrades one of the world’s natural wonders and how empowering ordinary people to contribute data can shift the tide toward reef recovery. Citizen science plays a key role in understanding reef health on a massive...

info_outline
How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy show art How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy

How To Protect The Ocean

Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing a full-time role in marine science with a passion for educating the public about the ocean. Science communication becomes a lifeline when it’s driven by love for the sea. McKenzie opens up about the emotional and professional toll of...

info_outline
Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral show art Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral

How To Protect The Ocean

Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long-term survival of reefs and how restoration, while helpful, might be insufficient if larger systemic issues like warming seas and pollution aren’t addressed. Restoration is discussed not just as a solution, but as a strategy that needs to be...

info_outline
Rebuilding Fisheries in Canada: Capelin Biomass Falling Yet Fishing Stays Open show art Rebuilding Fisheries in Canada: Capelin Biomass Falling Yet Fishing Stays Open

How To Protect The Ocean

Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canada’s east coast fisheries. With DFO ignoring science-based recommendations, capelin is being harvested despite dangerously low numbers—and the ripple effects are hurting northern cod and entire coastal ecosystems. Northern cod cannot recover without capelin, their primary prey, yet management plans still treat these species separately. Andrew explores...

info_outline
Shark Communication: Graduate Studies, Sharks Science, and TikTok with Kenzie Horton show art Shark Communication: Graduate Studies, Sharks Science, and TikTok with Kenzie Horton

How To Protect The Ocean

Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle driven by passion and purpose. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with marine biologist Kenzie Horton, who shares how her love for the ocean shaped her career. Based in Florida, Kenzie juggles a full-time role in state government, a master’s degree researching white sharks, and a growing platform on TikTok where she busts...

info_outline
Dire Wolf Brought Back? The Wild Science and Ethics of De-Extinction show art Dire Wolf Brought Back? The Wild Science and Ethics of De-Extinction

How To Protect The Ocean

De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct species—specifically the dire wolf—using cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to reintroduce this Ice Age predator into modern ecosystems. Genetic engineering plays a central role in this story. From piecing together fragmented DNA to editing modern genomes, researchers face significant scientific, ethical, and ecological...

info_outline
Rare Intersex Southern Right Whale Discovered Through Genetic Testing show art Rare Intersex Southern Right Whale Discovered Through Genetic Testing

How To Protect The Ocean

Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine species and the complexities of whale biology that scientists are only beginning to uncover. Southern right whale research has long been essential to ocean conservation, but this case adds an entirely new layer. Through a discussion of how genetic...

info_outline
Why the US Might Start Deep Sea Mining (And What It Means for the Ocean) show art Why the US Might Start Deep Sea Mining (And What It Means for the Ocean)

How To Protect The Ocean

Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the environment, international law, and ocean conservation? The US government’s stance on deep sea mining could shift the global conversation around ocean resource extraction. Andrew explores the political, environmental, and legal implications of this move, the role of the International Seabed...

info_outline
Seafood Laws and Ocean Justice: How Legal Frameworks Shape the Future of Fisheries show art Seafood Laws and Ocean Justice: How Legal Frameworks Shape the Future of Fisheries

How To Protect The Ocean

Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fish—they’re tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not just by data and tradition but by the legal frameworks that support them. Law plays a central role in determining how ocean resources are accessed, protected, and managed. Eva walks us through how international agreements, national regulations, and local community rights all intersect...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

This episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast explores the extreme lengths some individuals are willing to go to protest climate change, including risking up to five years in jail. The host, Andrew Lewin, discusses the Just Stop Oil campaign in the UK, where activists are facing lengthy sentences for their advocacy. The episode raises questions about the future of activism and the potential consequences individuals may face for fighting against environmental harm. Additionally, Andrew mentions recent video podcasting initiatives and encourages listeners to engage with the content in both audio and video formats.

Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.
 
Do you want to join my Ocean Community?
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
 
Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter
 

 

The podcast episode delves into the legal challenges faced by activists in the UK who received four to five-year sentences for their involvement in protesting oil exploration as part of the Just Stop Oil campaign. The activists were found guilty of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance for organizing direct action protests on the M25 over four days in November 2022. One activist received a five-year sentence, while four others received four-year sentences each, marking the longest sentences ever given in the UK for nonviolent protests.

The Just Stop Oil campaign aims to pressure the government to reconsider its support for oil exploration in the North Sea by oil companies. The activists engaged in various forms of protest, including disrupting traffic on major highways and participating in extreme actions like slowing down F1 races. While these actions were intended to raise awareness about climate change and oil exploration, they also resulted in legal consequences for the activists involved.

The episode sheds light on the dilemma faced by activists who are willing to take extreme measures to advocate for environmental causes. It raises questions about the effectiveness of such protests, the risks involved, and the potential consequences for individuals who choose to participate. The activists' willingness to accept lengthy sentences for their beliefs underscores the depth of their commitment to environmental activism and the urgency they feel in addressing climate change issues.

Overall, the episode highlights the challenges and sacrifices that activists may encounter in their efforts to bring about change and protect the environment. It prompts reflection on the balance between activism, legal consequences, and the pursuit of environmental conservation goals.

The activists involved in the Just Stop Oil campaign in the UK were found guilty of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance for coordinating direct action protests on the M25 highway. Roger Hellam, Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker-Debreu, and Christina Gethin were convicted for their involvement in protests that disrupted the M25 over four days in November 2022.

Their actions led to record sentences, with Roger Hellam receiving a five-year sentence and the other four activists each receiving a four-year sentence. These sentences are the longest ever given in the UK for nonviolent protests, surpassing previous cases related to environmental activism.

The activists aimed to draw attention to the government's stance on oil exploration in the North Sea and the subsidies provided to oil companies. By disrupting major transportation routes like the M25, they sought to raise awareness about the environmental impact of continued oil drilling and its contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

While the activists believed their protests were necessary to prompt government action on climate change, the legal system viewed their actions as a public nuisance deserving significant penalties. The court's decision to impose lengthy sentences reflects the seriousness with which such disruptions are treated under the law.

The case highlights the complex dynamics between activism, environmental advocacy, and legal consequences. It raises questions about the boundaries of protest actions, the balance between civil disobedience and public safety, and the potential sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their cause. The activists' conviction serves as a cautionary tale for those considering engaging in similar forms of protest and underscores the challenges and risks associated with advocating for environmental change through direct action.

Environmental advocacy often involves individuals taking extreme actions to draw attention to pressing issues such as climate change and pollution. The podcast episode highlighted that some activists in the UK associated with the Just Stop Oil campaign faced legal repercussions for their protests. These activists were sentenced to four to five years in jail for their actions, marking one of the longest sentences ever given in the UK for nonviolent protests.

The episode emphasized the importance of considering the consequences and sacrifices involved in advocating for environmental causes. While the activists believed that their extreme actions were necessary to prompt government action on oil exploration in the North Sea, they ultimately faced severe legal consequences. This serves as a stark reminder that engaging in disruptive protests or actions can lead to significant personal sacrifices, including time away from families, careers, and freedom.

The podcast highlighted the dilemma faced by activists who feel compelled to take drastic measures to bring attention to urgent environmental issues. While their intentions may be noble, it is crucial to weigh the potential legal repercussions and societal impact of such actions. The activists' willingness to endure legal consequences for their cause underscores the depth of their commitment to environmental protection.

Ultimately, the episode underscored the complexity of environmental advocacy and the need for individuals to carefully consider the implications of their actions. While passion and dedication are essential in driving change, it is vital to assess the potential risks and sacrifices involved in advocating for environmental causes, especially when considering extreme measures that may lead to legal repercussions.