Role of Extinction Rebellion in Influencing UK Environmental Policy: A Case Study Approach

Abstract

This is a case study-based research to analyze the impact of specific campaigns and interventions on legislative and policy changes, while also attempting to understand the role of Extinction Rebellion (XR) in the UK environmental policy arena. It examines the shifting interplay between XR as a grassroots advocacy movement and government responses, and how these actions impact the making and adaptation of policy. Drawing from interviews and secondary sources such as policy documents and media articles, this analysis provides a broad perspective on XR strategies and their success. The research also highlights that the non-violent and disruptive tactics of a group such as XR, are a demonstration that not only captures public and political attention, but also prompts a variety of responses on the part of policymakers, ranging from recognition to hostility. The new research features a combination of content and discourse analysis, scrutinizing the political landscape against which XR's actions resonate, and how this, in turn, galvanizes public opinion and changes policy priorities. It serves to underscore the contentious national and local-level politicking that XR is facilitating over environmental issues, something that is nudging these crucial debates forward by placing them at the very top of the political agenda. These results show that XR's tactics of direct action, alongside bold demands for rapid transition, contribute importantly to the shaping of the UK environmental policy. Comparing this case to prevailing beliefs about environmental politics, the study underlines the promise of grassroots movements to bring about serious policy changes, offering insights into the broader consequences of democratic procedure and policy-making in environmental governance. The research findings are useful in shedding light on the effectiveness of environmental activism when it comes to policy decisions, and provide insights into the strategic interaction between activist movements and governmental bodies.