Why it matters: The protest formed part of the "Insure Our Survival" movement spanning more than 20 countries, with organisers claiming insurers are the pressure point in destructive industries because fossil fuel expansion and arms profiteering cannot function without insurance coverage.
The details: Local campaigners from Extinction Rebellion Ipswich and Colchester gathered at 8:00 and took position outside the AXA building at 8:30, with one police officer present throughout the peaceful demonstration.
Tina, a member of Extinction Rebellion Ipswich, told protesters before the action to remember "our love for this beautiful planet," and "our sincere desire to protect it."
The activists delivered a letter to AXA executives accusing the insurance giant of "facilitating death on a planetary scale" by insuring fossil fuel projects and investing in arms companies they claim are complicit in Israel's military actions in Gaza.
What they're saying: "Ipswich is on a tidal river, so people are already living with the risk of flooding, and this will only get worse as the climate gets hotter," said Tina. "New homes have just been built along the riverside; how long will it be before these become uninsurable? Knowing that AXA are not only profiting from these crises but exacerbating them whilst claiming to protect us is outrageous."
The letter delivered to AXA states: "You insure and have insured the very 'carbon bomb' projects that scientists say will tip us past safe climate limits — projects that poison rivers, displace families, destroy ecosystems, and lock in emissions for decades to come."
The bigger picture: The global campaign calls for a boycott of AXA, AIG and their sub-brands, with protesters demanding insurers stop what they describe as enabling toxic industries, including fossil fuels, arms and genocide.
Organisers say they want underwriters to set policy within the "safe operating space for humanity" as defined by the Planetary Boundaries team at the Potsdam Institute.
What's next: The coalition has warned it will continue to blockade offices, disrupt operations and call for customer boycotts until AXA and other insurers change their underwriting policies on fossil fuel expansion and arms companies.
The bottom line: AXA was approached for comment on the allegations made by protesters but did not respond before publication.
