In recent weeks, climate activists in London, Paris and Germany have taken center stage for throwing food at famous works of art. Their goal? To focus attention on climate change and fossil fuel dependency. And it’s working. Videos of the protests have racked up tons of views on YouTube. But are these kinds of protests the most effective way to persuade the public? 

Mike and Tamar are in the anti-food-throwing camp. But while they don’t agree on the methods, they push back against critical voices in the climate movement. As Mike says, “If you’re going to get pissed, get pissed at the oil companies and agribusinesses that are causing this mess, not these idealistic young people trying to do something about it.”

In this episode, Mike and Tamar talk about the tension between climate wonks and climate activists and weigh in on whether climate activists are being helpful or not. 

Resources:

ResearchGate on the effects of extreme protest on popular support for social movements 

NYTimes: Climate Protesters Throw Soup Over van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’

The Guardian: Climate activists throw mashed potatoes at Monet work in Germany

Have a question about food and climate change for Mike and Tamar? Leave a message on the Climavores hotline at (508) 377-3449. Or email us at [email protected]. We might feature your question on a future episode. 

Climavores is a production of Post Script Media.

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