The activist group Climate Defiance, founded by Michael Greenberg and Rylee Haught in early 2023, made headlines by disrupting a gala in Washington, D.C. honoring Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The group accused Murkowski of being a murderer and disrupting the ceremony. Video footage captured the activists being forcefully removed from the stage while chanting anti-fossil fuel slogans. Murkowski was seen slowly walking away as the activists tried to get closer to her. Climate Defiance has denounced Murkowski for supporting the Willow Project, an oil drilling project in Alaska that they described as cruel and barbaric.
In addition to the incident at the gala, Climate Defiance has a history of disrupting events hosting lawmakers and public officials to demand aggressive climate action. They have previously shut down events with senior White House officials, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The group’s disruptive methods have garnered criticism, but they continue to push their agenda for environmental protection.
Despite criticism, Climate Defiance was invited to the White House for a private meeting with President Biden’s senior clean energy czar John Podesta in December. During the meeting, Greenberg and Climate Defiance campaigner Bala Sivaraman presented Podesta with a letter outlining their concerns about the continued burning of fossil fuels and urging swift action to end federal support for new fossil fuel infrastructure. They applauded Podesta’s work on climate action and acknowledged his efforts in implementing the Inflation Reduction Act.
The group’s disruptive tactics have gained attention and sparked controversy, as seen in their recent disruption of the gala featuring Senator Murkowski. Climate Defiance accuses Murkowski of being an “ecocidal pyromaniac” and criticizes her support for the Willow Project. Their social media posts and public actions aim to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and the consequences of further delay in addressing the environmental crisis. While their methods may be seen as extreme by some, Climate Defiance continues to push for more aggressive measures to combat climate change.
The incident at the gala and other disruptions by Climate Defiance have drawn public attention to the group’s mission and tactics. By targeting high-profile events and public officials, the group aims to draw awareness to the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for immediate action. The group’s meeting with White House officials, including Podesta, highlights their efforts to engage with policymakers and advocate for stronger environmental protections. Despite criticism, Climate Defiance remains committed to its goal of ending federal support for new fossil fuel infrastructure and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.
