Climate Extremists Throw Soup on $2 Million Van Gogh Painting in London Gallery

The activists are part of a group called ‘Just Stop Oil.’

QUICK FACTS:
  • Anti-fossil fuel demonstrators dumped soup over Vincent van Gogh’s well-known 1888 painting “Sunflowers” at London’s National Gallery on Friday.
  • Reports indicate that the pair of protesters threw the contents of two Heinz tomato soup tins over the painting and then glued their hands to the wall.
  • The picture is thought to be worth an estimated $84.2 million and appears to be covered by a protective glass, which ketp the actual painting from being marred.
  • According to the demonstrator’s website, the protests are part of two weeks of civil resistance by activists in response to the government’s inaction on both climate and the increasing cost of living.
  • Just Stop Oil’s website identifies the protesters as Phoebe Plummer, 21, from London and Anna Holland, 20, from Newcastle.
WHAT THE PROTESTERS SAID:
  • “Is art worth more than life? More than food? More than justice?” asked Plummer. “The cost of living crisis is driven by fossil fuels—everyday life has become unaffordable for millions of cold hungry families—they can’t even afford to heat a tin of soup. Meanwhile, crops are failing and people are dying in supercharged monsoons, massive wildfires and endless droughts caused by climate breakdown. We can’t afford new oil and gas, it’s going to take everything. We will look back and mourn all we have lost unless we act immediately.”
  • Holland also weighed in, saying that “UK families will be forced to choose between heating or eating this winter, as fossil fuel companies reap record profits. But the cost of oil and gas isn’t limited to our bills. Somalia is now facing an apocalyptic famine, caused by drought and fuelled by the climate crisis. Millions are being forced to move and tens of thousands face starvation. This is the future we choose for ourselves if we push for new oil and gas.” 
BACKGROUND:
  • Other protests against Big Oil have been taking place in the UK, including activists blocking The Mall outside Buckingham Palace just days ago.
  • The heartfelt demonstrations, however, could be problematic according to Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore who said that his organization is now being used by the political left for money and power.
  • As American Faith previously reported, Moore said in the email that the group is focused on public persona and storylines that will cause guilt and fear for the purpose of garnering monetary support.
  • The former Greenpeace leader said that while it typically happens in secret, political operatives from the U.N., World Economic Forum, and other groups have gained major influence over his former group.

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