Climate Activists Target SUVs in Edinburgh Over Valencia Floods

Tyre Extinguishers Call for Action Against Climate-Causing Vehicles
In response to the devastating floods in Valencia, climate activists have targeted SUVs in Edinburgh, highlighting the vehicles’ role in exacerbating the climate crisis. The Tyre Extinguishers group, known for its anti-SUV actions, stenciled the message “These cars kill Valencians” on 4x4s, drawing a direct connection between the deadly floods and the environmental impact of SUVs.

SUV Contribution to Climate Crisis: A Deadly Link
At least 214 people have been reported dead following extreme flooding in Valencia, triggered by torrential rain that scientists attribute to human-induced global warming. According to a rapid study by World Weather Attribution, climate change made the rainfall around 12% heavier. In response, Tyre Extinguishers group condemned the role of SUVs in contributing to the climate disaster.

As a group that targets SUVs to raise awareness about their environmental impact, the Tyre Extinguishers argue that these vehicles are a major driver of global pollution. In a statement posted on social media, the group noted, “If SUVs were a country, they would be the fifth-largest global polluter.” The activists emphasize that SUVs, of which there were over 360 million on the roads in 2023, generate approximately 1 billion tonnes of CO2, contributing significantly to rising global oil consumption.

Tyre Extinguishers’ Campaign: From Edinburgh to Global Solidarity
The Tyre Extinguishers group has long been known for its tire-deflation actions, aimed at making SUVs inconvenient to own in urban areas. However, in light of the Valencia flooding, activists took their campaign a step further. In Edinburgh’s New Town, the group defaced 16 SUVs, leaving messages and images of victims like José Castillejo, a 28-year-old killed in the Valencia floods, and others who have lost their lives in accidents involving large, gas-guzzling vehicles.

The activists are calling on other global groups to take solidarity actions, saying, “We won’t stop until these death machines are off our roads.” The group’s message ties the rising death toll in climate-related disasters to the increasing prevalence of SUVs and their role in contributing to global CO2 emissions.

Expanding Campaign Across Europe and Beyond
The Tyre Extinguishers’ campaign is growing, with groups operating in 21 countries across Europe and beyond. Last week, 47 SUVs were targeted in Lausanne, Switzerland, in solidarity with the victims of the Valencia floods. The group’s reach spans from Austria to the UK, including countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, with additional networks in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.

The activists encourage others to join the movement, with detailed instructions available on their website for individuals looking to participate in what they describe as a fight against “massive killer vehicles.” As the global movement expands, the group continues to raise awareness about the environmental and safety risks associated with SUVs.