As the adverse effects of the climate crisis intensify, many believe governments around the world are responding too slowly. It is now unlikely that the Paris Agreement target of keeping the global temperature rise below two degrees will be met unless there is immediate action taken to prevent further warming. In this episode of earthrise we visit those putting themselves on the line and pushing for urgent climate policy reform before we reach a point of no return.

Officially launched in April 2017, the Sunrise Movement was set up by a six young people who were deeply concerned about their future and the effects of climate change. Now they have thousands of supporters, and this number is growing rapidly. With just under $1 million raised, the Sunrise Movement has become one of the boldest voices in the national climate debate. We head to the US to see how this youth environmental movement is getting the attention of big government.

We then travel to the UK where a different group, formed in 2018, is seeking to make waves by shutting down streets in London. In April 2019, socio-political group Extinction Rebellion are engaging in a 2-week long protest against the British government. By using civil disobedience that would prompt mass arrests, they hope to force the British government to change its approach to climate change and declare a state of emergency. We are with Extinction Rebellion rebels as they prepare for the upcoming protest and are on the ground with them as it unfolds.