I agree wholeheartedly with Extinction Rebellion, but am I too timid for their fearless tactics?

Witnessing a mass youth uprising to fight the climate crisis is inspiring and moving. But those of us who aren't natural rebels need a push to get us out into the streets

I’ve never been much of a rebel, but this year I’ve been protesting. We’re living in a climate emergency, yet even while we still have the power to make a huge step-change, the government does nothing. Time is ticking, and I have felt utterly compelled to make a stand.

I have taken my eight-year-old daughter down to the climate strikes in Exeter, placards and face paints in hand. Watching some of these young voices speak out about the impacts of fast fashion or endless consumption of fossil fuels against a backdrop of samba bands and chants for climate justice is far from scary or intimidating. To witness this global climate movement up close is empowering, invigorating and eye-opening.

On Monday, Extinction Rebellion (XR) begins a two-week protest in capital cities around the world, and I’m looking forward to watching how it unfolds. As a scientist and a sustainability journalist, I realise that urgent action is absolutely necessary to avert climate catastrophe and social collapse.

And yet, I haven’t yet been to any XR meetings or booked my train to London. However inspiring I find the movement, something’s holding me back from joining up.

I’m inspired by the doctors, surgeons and lawyers risking everything to stick their heads above the parapet, pump fake blood from a fire engine over the Treasury or superglue themselves to government buildings. XR comprises such a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds and vocations – it’s not the most conventional bunch of eco-warriors. I share their deep grief and concern.

But while I wholeheartedly support the need for drastically captivating non-violent protest, I definitely don’t want to risk attracting attention from the police – unlike the 1,000 peaceful protestors arrested in April when XR caused disruption at four sites around central London.

Maybe XR just isn’t my style. The branding is very conspicuous and intense – it doesn’t match my natural tendency towards risk aversion. A few days ago, there was a backlash on Twitter after XR pushed out a poster dismissive of the “treehuggers” that used to define the environmental movement. It was swiftly removed, but I get the feeling I’m not the only one feeling slightly out of my comfort zone, alienated, or unsure whether I fit the “typical” rebel profile.

But with any mass movement, there always comes a tipping point. In a review of civil resistance and social movements from 1900 to 2006, Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard University, has concluded that civil disobedience is the most powerful way of shaping world politics – and that for a protest movement to succeed, 3.5 per cent of the population needs to join the cause.

I do expect a tipping point will also come within me. I’ll observe from the sidelines for just a little bit longer, read Extinction Rebellion’s handbook, This is not a Drill, and quiz my friend on her return from Lambeth Bridge next week about the reality of her experience. As “police liaison”, she has a weighty responsibility, acting as the conduit between police and protesters. Unsurprisingly, she’s a little apprehensive.

But she’s reassured by XR’s practical and cleverly thought-out framework and the knowledge of her fellow protestors – everyone remains autonomous, non-violent and extremely well-supported, with no pressure to partake.

Hopefully, soon I’ll be ready to channel my angst and be civilly disobedient. To everyone stopping traffic, camping on the streets, causing disruption throughout Westminster and making headlines next week, I say good luck. I’m almost there with you.