HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE - ANDREAS MALM

This isn’t actually a guide as to how to do it!!!

I felt like I needed to clarify that because on a brand called “Brown Booktuber” it’d get me on a no-fly list, if I’m not already on one. For all intents and purposes this book is more of a “Why You Should Blow Up a Pipeline” piece as opposed to a step-by-step guide. That being said, it really is a fantastic call to action. In all honesty I wasn’t someone who was too well versed in the climate activist space, I didn’t really understand just how committed the movement was and just how serious the consequences they’re battling against.

This book not only outlines how dire the situation is, but also explains why our actions so far might not go far enough. Combatting assertions that ‘peaceful protest’ has been the only way progress has been made in the past century and suggesting at what point we need to drastically change our approach, perhaps even right now. However, Malm makes sure to note that wanton violence isn’t the solution, that going down the path of eco-fascist groups would make us no better than the ultra-capitalist responsible for the state of our environment.

Malm explains the role more militant wings have played in ensuring progress and how the white-washing of those movements has hindered the fight we wage against oppression today. Using the example of Mandela’s uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation) Malm explains to us how this militant wings of the ANC were key in forcing the apartheid regime to negotiate with the more diplomatic wing of the party. Malm doesn’t necessarily tell us to arm ourselves and form a militia, although personally I believe if you are in the United States you should be doing just that given the rise in fascist groups and state sanctioned violence, he does encourage us to get involved in more serious direct action. The key example he gives to follow in this regard is the Ende Gelände movement in Germany who’s modus operandi is to occupy coal mines to prevent their expansion and bring awareness to the crimes of fossil capital.

I highly recommend this book for both those who were like me, newbies to the climate activism scene and the more hardened activists who may be feeling disenfranchised with the movement as it stands. This book invigorated me to get involved with the climate activism scene and although I’ve not yet gotten involved in any direct action, it has certainly given me the confidence in the method.

You can pick up ‘How To Blow Up a Pipeline’ from Bookshop and Waterstones.