On Wednesday, two climate activists were arrested in England after vandalizing the Stonehenge monoliths with orange powder in an attempt to draw attention to the climate impact of fossil fuels. The attack on the prehistoric site occurred on the day marking the arrival of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere when thousands of people would gather at Stonehenge to witness the transformation from night to day.
The organization responsible for Stonehenge, English Heritage, stated that while there was no visible damage to the stones, their act of cleaning and distressing those who hold spiritual significance over the site was harmful. The orange dust was quickly removed to prevent any damage to the rare lichen that grows on ancient stones.
Two protesters were arrested by Wiltshire police after using fire extinguishers to spray orange powder at Stonehenge. Just Stop Oil, a British group aiming to prevent new oil and gas licenses, claimed responsibility for the act and demanded an end to extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030. They highlighted Stonehenge as a powerful symbol of our ancestors’ past legacy left behind.
The summer solstice is significant as it marks a religious calendar event in Druidism. Every year, thousands of people flock to Stonehenge to witness this transformative period from daylight into darkness. This year’s celebrations were disrupted by vandals who caused distress among many visitors and practitioners alike.
Top British politicians strongly condemned climate protesters with some referring their actions as shameful and pitiful. The activists have used Stonehenge’s site for protests before but this is Just Stop Oil’s first time doing so with such attention-grabbing tactics at different locations across England.
Despite causing disruptions during celebrations, those who cherish Stonehenge’s spiritual and historical significance continue practicing these traditions privately while respecting its sanctity.
In conclusion, efforts towards protecting our planet continue while respecting our past heritage sites like Stonehenge remain strong despite attempts by some groups with unacceptable means towards drawing attention against climate change impacts on our future generation’s wellbeing should not be condoned or encouraged in any way possible.
