EXTINCTION REBELLION NYC’S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

As new information surrounding COVID-19 continues to surface, Extinction Rebellion NYC stands by our demands and principles. It is more important than ever to remember that Extinction Rebellion exists to protect life, both now and for future generations. We must work together to make public health our number one priority, listening to advice from the scientific community, and caring for those who are most vulnerable.

STAYING SAFE WITH CORONAVIRUS

We urge everyone to take this public health concern seriously, but not to panic. We live in a global, interconnected world, where our actions affect more than just ourselves. It’s important we do everything we can as a movement to Flatten the Curve and help keep our communities safe. Read more about what this means here: www.flattenthecurve.com.

For regular updates about COVID-19, you can visit the World Health Organization or CDC websites, as well as New York City’s Coronavirus page. The Extinction Rebellion Global Regen document provides helpful tips and thoughts on regeneration, resilience, and community in the time of crisis.

We’re all in this together

It is understandable to feel afraid at a time like this. Just as with the climate and ecological crisis, difficult emotions such as fear, grief, and anger are bound to surface. But you don’t have to hold these emotions alone. More than ever, we need each other, Rebels! We need your enthusiasm and compassion, your creativity and courage. We need to stay connected, rather than letting isolation and fear take hold. Your local neighborhood group is a great way to do that.

Shifting Tactics

Extinction Rebellion NYC will be planning safe forms of disruption and regenerative actions that do not involve large gatherings or mass arrests. We will also be offering more trainings and meetings online. Continue to check the website events page, where we’ll be listing online courses, discussions, and other ways to stay involved. And if you haven’t already, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

WHAT COVID-19 MEANS FOR THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Coronavirus has many parallels to the climate and ecological crisis. Both reveal our global interconnectedness and vulnerability. Both require truth-telling and cooperation to reduce suffering and save lives. Both disproportionately threaten vulnerable populations, from the elderly to those with existing medical conditions. Neither can be solved while politicians prioritize economic growth over the health of people and the planet.

OUR DEMANDS CANNOT WAIT

It’s more urgent than ever that we demand the government TELL THE TRUTH. The current systems of government are not equipped to respond adequately to either a pandemic or the ecological and climate emergency. It is clear that we need CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLIES now.

‘REGENERATIVE CULTURE’ AS AN ACT OF REBELLION

At a time when the coronavirus is disrupting business as usual, grounding flights and halting industry, let’s disrupt in a different way. Let’s disrupt the hyper-individualistic society in which we live. Let’s take this time to slow down, safely connect with family and friends, and remember all we have to be grateful for. Let’s build the more loving, caring society that our hearts know is possible, beyond the story of separation. Love in the time of coronavirus means collectively protecting each other from infection, especially those most vulnerable.