First Tremors

In a time of growing despair about the fate of our planet, the environmental movement known as Earth Uprisings (Les Soulèvements de la terre) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Bringing together young and old from different backgrounds and walks of life, they have staged colourful processions in the countryside and taken direct action to defend the land against environmental destruction.

They have risen because governments have failed to take the action needed to avert ecological disaster and because they know that by joining forces and working together, people have the capacity to bring about change. Their aim is not to save the planet – this pretentious ambition is far too grand for them, and only invites feelings of powerlessness and despair. Instead, they've forged a practical, down-to-earth ecology rooted in land and territorial struggles.

Formed at a meeting of two hundred people on a ZAD (Zone to Defend) in the west of France in January 2021, Earth Uprisings has grown to become one of Europe's most influential environmental movements. First Tremors tells their story, in their own words. It is a manifesto for those who have organized themselves to dismantle the infrastructure of environmental devastation.