KAOS Super Yacht Hit By Climate Activists While Moored in Ibiza
KAOS Super Yacht: On Sunday, July 17, 2023, two climate activists from the Spanish group Futuro Vegetal spray-painted the superyacht KAOS, moored in Ibiza. Nancy Walton Laurie, the billionaire Walmart heiress, reportedly owns the yacht.
The climate activists sprayed the super yacht with red and black paint and held a sign that read: “You Consume Others Suffer.” They also posted a video of the protest on social media.
Futuro Vegetal is a Spanish climate activist group founded in 2019. The group’s name means “Future Vegetal” in Spanish, and it is a non-violent direct action group that uses protests, blockades, and other forms of civil disobedience to raise awareness about the climate crisis and demand action from governments and corporations.
Apart from their most recent action spray-painting the KAOS superyacht, the group are well-known for their disrupting blockade of the Spanish Parliament in 2020. The activists said that they targeted KAOS because it is a symbol of the excessive consumption and pollution that is causing climate change.
The activists also said they wanted to draw attention to the fact that the wealthiest 1% of the world’s population is responsible for more emissions than the poorest 50%.
Swift arrests by local authorities
The Spanish police quickly arrested the activists, but they were later released. Worryingly, Futuro Vegetal said they plan more protests against superyachts and other symbols of wealth and excess.
The spray painting of KAOS has sparked a debate about the role of climate activists and the ethics of property damage. Some people have criticised the activists for vandalising the yacht, while others have praised them for raising awareness about climate change.
It is important to note that, thankfully, the activists did not damage the yacht’s hull or engines; they used biodegradable paint in their attack that was easily removed. The spray-painted graffiti was quickly washed off, and the yacht was back to her former pristine condition and back in use within a few short hours of the incident.
How the yachting industry is reducing their environmental impact
The yachting industry has been facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. In response to this pressure, the yachting industry has already started to take steps to become more sustainable.
Some of the ways that the yachting industry is approaching climate change include:
- They are using more efficient engines and propulsion systems. Many yacht builders are now using more efficient engines and propulsion systems that can reduce fuel consumption and emissions. For example, some yachts are now equipped with hybrid or electric engines.
- They are using alternative fuels. Some yacht builders are also exploring alternative fuels, such as methanol, solar power, and wind power. These fuels can help to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of yachts.
- They are improving hull design. The design of a yacht’s hull can significantly impact its fuel efficiency. Yacht builders now use more efficient hull designs to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
- They are using sustainable materials. The materials used to build a yacht can also have an environmental impact. Some yacht builders are now using more sustainable materials, such as carbon fibre and recycled plastics. These materials can help to reduce the environmental impact of yacht construction.
- Educating owners and operators. The yachting industry is also working to educate owners and operators about the environmental impact of their yachts. Many yacht clubs and associations now offer training programs on sustainable yachting practices.
The spray-painting of KAOS Super Yacht is a reminder of the growing tensions between climate activists and the wealthy elite. As climate change becomes more of a threat, we will likely see more protests from activist groups like this one.
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