In a heartfelt stand for climate action, Extinction Rebellion Ibiza, a passionate climate activist group, organized a campaign titled ‘Jets and Yachts, the party is over’, urging a ban on private jets and luxury yachts due to emission concerns. The group targeted a superyacht called the Kaos, valued at 300 million Euros and owned by billionaire Walmart heiress, Nancy Walton Laurie, on the picturesque Spanish island of Ibiza.
The news of this bold move spread like wildfire on social media, with thousands of users reacting to the striking photos of the defaced yacht. Using fire extinguishers and spray paint, the activists made their statement, emphasizing the need to address the pressing issue of climate change and inequality.
“The only reason we continue to maintain an economic system that leads us to eco-social collapse is to sustain the privileges of this small privileged class,” declared the group in a powerful statement, as reported by the New York Times.
The Spanish Civil Guard responded to the incident, arresting two individuals at the docks in connection with the act. The yacht, Kaos, was preparing to leave Ibiza at the time of the protest, and the activists intentionally chose it as a symbol of the immense wealth disparity in the world. Nancy Walton Laurie’s net worth, estimated at $7.77 billion, places her among the wealthiest individuals on the Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
The superyacht, known for its opulence and extravagant features, including a swimming pool, aquarium, helipad, cinema, spa facilities, gym, and even a small hospital, had previously made headlines in May.
This demonstration followed the activists’ earlier action of painting a private jet with yellow and black paint just two days before the yacht incident. Their conviction that the mega-rich’s lifestyle comes at the expense of others is evident in their thought-provoking statements and actions.
The campaign ‘Jets and Yachts, the party is over’ serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change and responsible stewardship of our environment. As these activists continue to make their voices heard, their passionate pursuit of a more sustainable future inspires hope and encourages us all to reflect on our individual roles in preserving the planet for generations to come.