The protesters are heroes, says Dr Graeme McLeay, while Thalia Carr says we shouldn’t be criticising those sounding the alarm on such an enormous crisis
Helen Pankhurst’s article (My suffragette grandmothers are now seen as heroes. Today’s climate protesters will be too, 15 November) struck a chord with me as it expressed the same mix of emotions I have experienced as a climate activist. As a 76-year-old man who grew up in a privileged and conservative environment, I have found it difficult enough marching, holding up placards, and speaking publicly against climate vandalism and the greenwashing of fossil fuel firms.
At the same time, I feel guilt at not joining with the Knitting Nannas or Extinction Rebellion, who give their time and risk the opprobrium that comes with protest, let alone the increasingly heavy-handed reaction of law enforcement against protest now prevailing in Australia. I am full of admiration for their courage and steadfast spirit.
