This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Published on October 7, 2019, Extinction Rebellion protests began in Australia, with dozens of protesters arrested across the country and New Zealand.
Activists in Sydney, Brisbane, and Wellington joined the global movement, which aims to bring attention to the urgent need for climate action.
Extinction Rebellion is warning of a looming environmental 'apocalypse' and is demanding governments declare a climate and ecological emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2025, and halt biodiversity loss.
Thousands are expected to join events in Australia, including a bee die-off enactment, a nude parade, and a funeral procession for the planet.
"We have tried petitions, lobbying, and marches, and now time is running out," said Australian activist Jane Morton.
"We have no choice but to rebel until our government declares a climate and ecological emergency and takes the action that is required to save us," she added.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been criticized for his government's lack of action on climate change, with some politicians calling for protesters' welfare payments to be cut and for public denunciations.
Extinction Rebellion has scheduled non-violent protests in 60 cities around the world over the next two weeks, including in Europe, North America, Australia, India, Buenos Aires, and Cape Town.
