Australia responds to ‘outrageous’ climate change protests in Sydney

The recent climate change protests in Sydney that brought parts of the city to a standstill, after protesters blocked key roads and a tunnel during rush hour, have brought the climate change debate to the fore once again.

Blockade Australia protester, Mali Cooper, made national headlines when she locked herself to the steering wheel of a car and stationed her vehicle at the entrance to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, causing traffic chaos.

Cooper live-streamed her protest on social media, showing the bike lock wrapped around her neck and attached to the steering wheel as she conveyed her message. The live stream also captured an extremely irate commuter who hurled abuse at Cooper from outside the car.

The Australian public reacted in a similar vein to the irate commuter following the climate activist’s divisive actions, with many slamming Cooper for the manner in which she decided to protest. Although there were many who criticised Cooper, just as many threw their support behind her and commended the 22-year-old for her stand on the climate change issue.

Despite the significant inconvenience Cooper’s protest caused for Sydney commuters, many recognised that “this is how your issue gets noticed” with many offering their praise.

To an extent. People just acting like ostriches & not acknowledging there’s a problem. Would I do what Mali did? Probably not, but it gets people thinking about the environmental catasrophe we’ve got on our hands.

— Šurj (@CalTurk4) June 28, 2022

This is how your issue gets noticed. Thank you for taking action at great personal cost. Many of us who are not in a position to do so appreciate it. Please post a link where we can donate for legal representation #ClimateCrisis #ClimateActionNow

— Lady ApaulD (@apaul57) June 27, 2022

Mali Cooper won’t be silent nor should she. The world has been playing Russian roulette with climate change for years. The odds are her generation will lose.

— Wattlecosmos (@wattlecosmos) June 28, 2022

Given the consequence of runaway climate change is at best economic and environmental ruin, and at worst a mass extinction that includes humans, I’m sure Mali Cooper believes her actions to be proportionate. And I wouldn’t disagree.

— Doug Miller (@dgmlr) June 29, 2022

Much like the climate change debate, there were two sides regarding reactions to Cooper’s disruption of Sydney traffic in the name of saving the environment. For as many people who championed Cooper, there was an equal measure of those who slammed the young protester for her methods.

how cool would it have been if an ambulance rushing someone to hospital got stuck thanks to mali and someone died as a direct result of her “disruption” way cool right?!? i wonder if she/it would get charged with murder

— Spaceman (@MGTOW82) June 29, 2022

Sydney protester Mali Cooper grilled by The Project hosts after Blockade Australia stunt.This thing drives a car=pollution;stopping cars=more pollution from idling engines.She &mates are worsening the situation.They aren’t logical. No proper thought given https://t.co/PpfCclMepq

— Misty (@myspeedlings) June 29, 2022

One commentator offered a novel approach to the traffic chaos.

An idiot from Blockade Australia has blocked the entry to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel & chained herself to it. Do as the Italians do – a few big Aussie fellas should lift her car out of the way & go about their business. Then she should go to jail.

— Catherine (@catherine___c) June 26, 2022

One member of the public highlighted that Cooper’s actions could have contributed to environmental pollution given the number of cars that were left idling in traffic.

You guys do realise that by causing traffic jams, you cause more NEEDLESS pollution from car engines left running whilst they’re going nowhere? I agree with your cause, just not your method, please think things through. #BlockadeAustralia

— Nevermind (@MLN75151488) June 27, 2022

Many took a different approach and decided to remain somewhat neutral, simply choosing to make light of the disruption.

pic.twitter.com/Xcf5zAG4rx

— Karlene ????‍♀️ ???????? (@karlene1968) June 27, 2022

Climate change activist drinking out of a plastic water bottle is a bit rich.

— Darren Fletcher (@_DLFletcher) June 27, 2022