Mass Arrests at Hanscom Airfield
In a bold move to protest the planned expansion of Laurence G. Hanscom Airfield in Bedford, Massachusetts, environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion took drastic action on Saturday, leading to their arrest by police.
Airport Standoff: Halting Private Jet Expansion
Around two dozen protesters, donning Extinction Rebellion’s signature costumes, strategically positioned themselves on the tarmac to block taxiing planes. Their primary target: the construction of 17 new hangars, which they argue would trigger a 300% hike in private jet services.
The group vehemently opposes this expansion, citing the significant carbon footprint it would generate. They claim that the resulting CO2 emissions from private jet travel would effectively nullify the environmental benefits of all solar power installations in Massachusetts.
Call to Action: Demanding Governor’s Intervention
Extinction Rebellion explicitly called out Governor Maura Healey for her support of the airfield expansion. They implored her to prioritize decarbonization and the planet’s well-being over private jets for the “ultra-wealthy.”
The group’s message is clear: “New fossil fuel infrastructure will hinder our efforts to prevent runaway global heating and safeguard a habitable Earth.”
Condemnation of Arrest, Support for the Movement
While the authorities swiftly arrested the protesters on charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct, their actions have sparked a wider discussion about climate change and the impact of private jet travel on the environment.
Extinction Rebellion’s bold tactics have garnered support from like-minded individuals and organizations, who view them as necessary to draw attention to the urgency of the climate crisis.
A Global Phenomenon: Escalating Climate Protests
This incident is part of a growing trend of direct actions taken by environmental activists worldwide to highlight the dire need for climate action. From disrupting major sporting events to blockading coal-fired power plants, Extinction Rebellion and similar groups are employing civil disobedience to demand systemic change.
Their message resonates with a growing number of people concerned about the perilous future that awaits us if we fail to address the climate crisis head-on.
Images of the Protest
