Just Stop Oil Protests at Darwin's Grave

Climate activists from the group Just Stop Oil spray-painted '1.5 Is Dead' on Charles Darwin’s grave in Westminster Abbey to protest against the global temperature rise exceeding the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. The protesters, Alyson Lee and Di Bligh, were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage but argued that their actions highlight the urgent need for government action against climate change. This protest coincided with reports that 2024 marked the first year global temperatures significantly surpassed the pre-industrial benchmark, reaching 1.60°C above it. Just Stop Oil demands that the UK government cease fossil fuel extraction by 2030, citing the accelerating climate crisis, which they claim could lead to massive displacement and extinction. The Abbey's conservators are working to remove the paint, and the site remains open to visitors. The protest underscores the activists' view that current governmental efforts are insufficient in addressing climate change.