Edinburgh activists target SUVs in solidarity with Spain’s flood victims

Climate activists in Scotland have taken various actions targeting SUV vehicles, expressing their support for those affected by the floods in Valencia.

The Tyre Extinguishers are urging their followers to take action against SUVs in their neighborhoods. Recently, some group members in Edinburgh spray-painted targeted vehicles with the message: “These cars kill Valencians."

At least 214 lives have been lost in Valencia and its neighboring regions following historic rainfall last week that led to severe flooding. This deluge washed away bridges, vehicles, and streetlights. Scientists from World Weather Attribution have conducted an initial assessment indicating that climate change contributed to the rainfall being approximately 12% heavier and made it twice as likely to occur.

The flooding has been labeled as the most devastating natural catastrophe in Spain in recent times.

In their X account, the Tyre Extinguishers shared images from their activities in Edinburgh, stating: “We’re focusing on SUVs to stand in support of those affected by the climate crisis in Valencia.”

Angry residents of Edinburgh took to the streets last night to protest the significant impact of SUVs on severe weather events, similar to the ones that have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people in Spain.

If SUVs were considered a separate nation, they would rank as the fifth-largest contributor to pollution worldwide. In 2023, there were more than 360 million SUVs on the roads globally, emitting around 1 billion tons of CO2, which is a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in SUV usage also led to a rise in global oil consumption by 600,000 barrels per day, accounting for over a quarter of the overall growth in oil demand.

Demonstrators vandalized SUVs across Edinburgh’s New Town, vandalizing windshields with images of individuals like José Castillejo, 28, who lost his life in the Valencia floods, as well as Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, who tragically died last year when a runaway Land Rover struck their primary school.

"We urge all Texas organizations to join together in support of those affected by climate change. We will continue our efforts until these harmful vehicles are removed from our streets."

An activist named Priya, who participated in the events in Edinburgh, commented, “We targeted 16 vehicles last night, and we have more planned… There is insufficient action to emphasize that tragedies like what happened in Valencia are the result of human activities. This isn't just a natural disaster; it's a crisis driven by our governments being controlled by the fossil fuel and automotive industries.”

“Immediate steps are essential to eliminate emissions from SUVs. If governments fail to take action, it's up to individuals to step in and make a change.”

Police Scotland could not provide any information on whether the incidents had been reported or if an investigation was in progress unless they received more specific details about where the vehicles in question were located.

According to information received by the Guardian, the vehicles were vandalized using chalk spray that dissolves in water.