Advertisement

Arrests as Climate Activists Disrupt Rush Hour in Sydney

Arrests were made after climate activists blocked streets and the entrance to a major tunnel during rush hour in Sydney on Monday, June 27, according to local reports.

Climate group Blockade Australia released footage of the protests. In one video, a woman has locked herself to the steering wheel of a car at the entrance to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Police said the woman was arrested.

Other video by the group shows protesters marching through the city. Aerial footage released by local broadcaster 7News shows a vehicle failing to stop and hitting a person.

At least 10 people were arrested for disrupting peak-hour traffic in the city, the ABC reported, and could face up to two years in prison.

Blockade Australia said they would continue to “cause disruption and resist climate destruction in the days to come.” Credit: Blockade Australia via Storyful

Video transcript

- This isn't for us. None of these things are for us. We the people who are going to be facing the consequences of the actions of the masses have to stand up.

If we do take a stand, we can achieve so much. I am one person. I'm locked onto one car.

And the entrance to this tunnel is blocked. I've seen people that I love lose everything. I've seen places that I love be destroyed.

I've felt pain and anger and grief and sorrow and complete and total heartbreak this year as a direct result of climate change. I've been privileged enough to grow up on Bundjalung country. It is beautiful country.

I love it up there. I've watched mass devastation happen up there this year with 2, 1 in 100 year they say floods that have happened. This is climate change. It is here.

It is happening now. It is terrifying what is going on in the world. And we have to stand. I cannot stay silent anymore. I cannot be complacent anymore.

- Come on, guys. Keep it up. Keep the speed up.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]