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Dec. 12, 2022, 3:13 p.m.

Why activists are targeting famous art to protest climate change

Summary

Over the past few months, activists have targeted priceless works of art to call attention to the climate crisis. These viral moments are grabbing attention, but is the message getting through? We look at how these protests could be both helping and hurting in the fight against climate change. For a transcript of this story, click here .

Five Facts

  • Who is organizing the protests described in this story?
  • Where and When are these protests taking place?
  • What are some of the artworks that have been vandalized?
  • Why have protesters taken aim at famous works of art to protest about climate change?
  • How have some critics responded to these attacks?

Focus Questions

Do you think protests like this have a positive or negative impact on public attention for issues such as climate change? Why so? Media literacy : Does this story appearing in national media help justify the actions of the protesters, if their goal was media attention? Why do you think so?

For More

What students can do: Design your own media campaign. What action would you take to draw attention to climate change (or another cause)? You can also read the story below for more ideas.

Students lead climate change protests across the world

Young protestors march as part of the Global Climate Strike of the movement Fridays for Future in Vienna
Young protestors march as part of the Global Climate Strike of the movement Fridays for Future in Vienna, Austria, September 20, 2019. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
Young protestors march as part of the Global Climate Strike of the movement Fridays for Future in Vienna, Austria, September 20, 2019. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

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