By C O’Reilly
I was one of a group of XRI climate activists gathered at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on Thursday 11th of July to protest at the annual 5k Docklands Race organised by Crusaders Athletic Club.
We were there to protest the sponsorship of this event by JP Morgan. According to Forbes, JP Morgan Chase is the #1 fossil fuel financier in the world, committing $40.8 billion dollars to fossil fuel companies in 2023 alone. This is despite warnings that an urgent phase- out of fossil fuels is required to avert global catastrophe.
Proceeds from the event are used to improve the club’s facilities and to promote sport, health and wellbeing in the community. One of the largest athletics clubs in Dublin, it serves Irishtown, Ringsend, Sandymount, and the Docklands area. Sadly, all these areas are at risk of falling below the annual flood level as early as 2030, according to Climate Central. Sea levels are rising due to global warming, to which fossil fuels are by far the largest contributor.
XRI reached out to the club last year with a letter about this sponsorship, but got no reply. However, during this protest one of our rebels learnt that Crusaders have a multi-year sponsorship contract with JP Morgan. It is shameful that this thriving, supportive and inclusive club is being used for heartless and cynical sportswashing.
We set ourselves up near the starting line with upwards of 1,700 runners gathered in front of us, along with stewards and supporters. The evening was dry, a little cool, with a light breeze - perfect for the runners. The Liffey flowed by, wide and majestic, through the mouth of the bay and onto the Irish sea. Our loud and colourful show with its iconic XR flags, rhythmic drumbeats and sinister Grim Reaper added a colourful carnival atmosphere to the occasion. The excitement and anticipation were palpable. We had no wish to spoil their fun, but we had an important message to deliver about their sponsors.
Via loudspeaker just before the race got going, our message was read out: we wanted them to enjoy their race; but we were there to ask them to stop taking sponsorship from JP Morgan because of their funding of fossil fuels. Financing by big finance and insurance companies has enabled greenhouse gas emissions to rise for decades.
We reminded them that climate breakdown is already causing death and destruction in many places around the world and has been disproportionately affecting people in the global south, people who have contributed least to the problem. We need drastic cuts in fossil fuels to save lives and protect future generations, not just elsewhere but here in Ireland too. We had devastating floods in Middleton last year, and too much rain this spring prevented many Irish farmers from planting their crops.
Our messaging was backed up by our banner and by information leaflets handed out to the crowd. Watching their reaction, I got the impression that many had given little thought to the business of their sponsors. This also proved to be the experience of our outreach team, who found that the participants they engaged with had been unaware of their sponsors’ investments in fossil fuels. A JP Morgan employee who was watching the race also claimed ignorance of his company’s connection to fossil fuels.
None of this is surprising. You’re unlikely to find any mention of fossil fuels on JP Morgan’s website. Investments are complex and what company these days wants to boast about supporting the fossil fuel industry? There were further opportunities for raising awareness and spreading much-needed information after the race, when we stationed ourselves beyond the finish line outside JP Morgan bank.
Anxiety and fear are natural responses when it seems that the dire warnings of scientists and trusted leaders are disregarded, when life reverts to “business as usual”. It is such a relief to meet with others who care, who are willing to get out and protest, who are not afraid to speak truth to power. All in all, a worthwhile protest, both for its vital raising of awareness, and for the mutual support which participation in an XRI protest provides. And the drummers were great!
Photographs by Alessandro Summer
