This footage was filmed and produced 30 March 2024.

Extinction Rebellion activists disrupted the New York International Auto Show's opening ceremony today, delivering a powerful message against the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) as a solution to climate change. Bearing signs reading "No EVs on a Dead Planet," protesters highlighted the environmental costs associated with EV production and challenged the notion that they offer a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.

According to the activists, the manufacturing process of EVs is as carbon-intensive as, if not more so than, that of conventional vehicles. Materials such as steel and electronics used in EV production require energy-intensive manufacturing processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the excessive weight and size of cars, including EVs, exacerbate environmental damage and are incompatible with a sustainable future.

President Biden's push for electric vehicles as a climate solution has drawn criticism from climate activists, who argue that EVs do not address the broader issues associated with car dependency and environmental degradation. They assert that transitioning to EVs does not alleviate problems such as carbon-intensive roadway maintenance or the disproportionate impact of car-centric infrastructure on urban communities.

The activists' demands include a broader discussion of transportation solutions beyond EVs and a recognition of the unsustainable nature of current automobile production. They urge policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize alternative modes of transportation, such as mass transit and smaller, lighter vehicles, to address the root causes of environmental degradation.