Climate activists from the group Just Stop Oil vandalized the historic Stonehenge monument by spraying orange powder paint on the ancient rocks. This incident, which occurred in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has sparked a heated debate about the methods used by environmental protest groups to draw attention to climate change actions.

Footage of the protest shows activists spraying the stones, while members of the public attempted to intervene, shouting for them to stop. Two protesters were arrested on suspicion of damaging the prehistoric stone circle. The activists call for a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030, emphasizing the need for the UK government to collaborate with other nations on an equitable plan to end fossil fuel extraction and burning by the end of the decade.

The protest has drawn criticism from various quarters. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the act as a disgraceful attack on a significant cultural heritage site. Similarly, Labour leader Keir Starmer labeled the group 'pathetic' and the incident 'outrageous.' In contrast, Just Stop Oil justified their actions by pointing to the urgency of the climate crisis, stating that continuing to use fossil fuels will lead to mass deaths and the destruction of communities.

At the same time, Wiltshire Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with English Heritage experts assessing the extent of the damage. The group's claim that the paint, made from orange cornflour, would dissolve in the rain offers little comfort to heritage conservationists concerned about the long-term impacts on the ancient stones.

The protest occurred just ahead of the summer solstice, a time when thousands gather at Stonehenge to celebrate. Despite the damage, English Heritage kept the site open to the public, and the solstice celebrations proceeded as planned. However, the incident has raised questions about the balance between activism and respect for cultural heritage.

Just Stop Oil has been known for its disruptive protests, previously shutting down major roads, sporting events, and even targeting famous artworks to highlight environmental issues. Their latest act at Stonehenge is part of an escalating series of protests aimed at compelling the UK government to adopt stricter environmental policies. With the UK's Labour Party leading in polls and expected to take office, Just Stop Oil emphasizes that a pledge to cease new oil and gas licenses is insufficient without a broader agreement to phase out all fossil fuels by 2030.

This incident at Stonehenge underscores the intersection of environmental activism and cultural heritage conservation, prompting a broader discussion about effective and respectful ways to address the pressing issue of climate change.