English vegan actor Benedict Cumberbatch partook in Extinction Rebellion protests in London to take a stand against climate change.
Extinction Rebellion is an environmental pressure group that uses civil disobedience to urge governments to do more to end the climate crisis. The protests take place around the world. Activists in London have blocked off roads, bridges, and the city’s largest meat market, Smithfield. The protesters typically block traffic but make way for cyclists.
Benedict joined activists who plan to camp out in Trafalgar Square for two weeks. The protesters have a hearse with a sign saying “our future” inside.
The environmental group shared images of Cumberbatch at the protest on Facebook. “British actor Benedict Cumberbatch joins Extinction Rebellion rebels preparing to sit outside all night to help keep Trafalgar Square. Power to the people!” Extinction Rebellion wrote.
Cumberbatch isn’t the only celebrity who has shown support for the movement. The British prime minister’s father, Stanley Johnson, publicly praised Extinction Rebellion. When asked about his son’s comments that environmental protesters are “uncooperative crusties,” Johnson replied, “On the point of non-cooperative crusties, I wear that badge with pride.”
“It’s one of the nicest things that has been said about me for a long time,” the 79-year-old added.
Comedian Ruby Wax, model Daisy Lowe, and actors Juliet Stevenson and Mark Rylance have attended the Extinction Rebellion sites to show support.
Is Benedict Cumberbatch Vegan?
Since at least 2017, Cumberbatch has adhered to a plant-based diet. The “Sherlock” star recently met up with fellow vegan actor Woody Harrelson to dine at a plant-based restaurant in London. Cumberbatch even brought vegan fashion with him to the Met Gala this year. The 43-year-old wore a bamboo suit, cotton velvet slippers, a cane, and a cruelty-free “peace silk” shirt.
Whilst Cumberbatch hasn’t spoken openly about his motivation behind the lifestyle change, it’s possible that he was driven by environmental reasons.
Animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than the world’s total transportation sector. Meat, dairy, and egg production also use vast amounts of water and land.
The largest-ever analysis of farming’s impact on the planet found that going vegan is the most powerful thing an individual can do to lessen their impact on the planet. Oxford researchers analyzed data from around 40,000 farms in 119 countries. Oxford University researcher Joseph Poore, who led the study, said in a statement, “A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use.”
