Recently, a group of climate activists known as Tyre Extinguishers targeted Beacon Hill, a wealthy neighborhood in Boston, through vandalism. The group deflated the tires of 43 SUVs parked at 144 Mount Vernon St. The vehicles were targeted because they were large, luxury, gas-powered SUVs that the group deemed detrimental to public health, safety, and the environment. The group left leaflets on the vehicles urging owners to switch to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
The Beacon Hill community was not pleased with the vandalism and called it cowardly and counterproductive. The community cares deeply about the environment and takes steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) did not take an official position on the vandalism, but the general consensus is that it is not an effective way to address climate change. BHCA believes that more material steps, like what Joe Biden and the EPA are doing, are needed to change behavior regarding emissions.
Boston police are investigating the tire-deflating vandalism but have not provided any further comments at this time. Victims of the vandalism reported being late for work or missing medical appointments due to the deflated tires.
Tyre Extinguishers targeted Beacon Hill to draw attention to the impact of wealthy individuals on the environment. Beacon Hill is a small neighborhood where people walk everywhere and compost regularly. However, the neighborhood has a disproportionate impact on global emissions due to its wealthy residents and their vehicles.
While Tyre Extinguishers’ intentions were noble, their methods have been deemed inappropriate by the Beacon Hill community. BHCA and the community believe that more material steps are needed to address climate change, and vandalism is not an effective way to promote environmentalism.
