Feeling terrified and anxious, Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, embarked on a daring mission on April 6, 2022. He decided to handcuff himself to the door of a JPMorgan Chase bank in downtown Los Angeles, joining forces with three fellow scientists.
Reflecting on his moment of truth, Kalmus recalls the surge of courage that propelled him towards civil disobedience. This act was part of a global movement called “1.5C is dead, climate revolution now!” initiated by Scientist Rebellion, a group of activists advocating for urgent action on the climate crisis.
Despite his fears of repercussions from colleagues, law enforcement, and his employer, Kalmus felt compelled to take a stand. Years of attempting to raise awareness about climate change through conventional means had led him to this pivotal moment of defiance.
Participating in a global movement to ban private jets, Kalmus and local activists symbolically sealed off a private airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, highlighting the excessive carbon footprint of the affluent.
His impassioned speech during the event resonated worldwide, showcasing his raw emotions as he pleaded for scientists to be heard. This powerful display of activism underscores the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
Original article from www.aljazeera.com