Yes, they were /are very disruptive and extreme but most of us are sleep walking ,trying to be oblivious to the fact that this planet is in deep crisis and if something isn't done soon it will, without a doubt, be a literal hell on earth for future generations.
We need to fly less, use our cars less, buy produce grown more locally, ( do I really need veg from Chile?) think twice before buying that unnecessary Chinese made item on Amazon, stop using plastic etc etc. But how many of us are taking responsibility in our daily lives? Vey few. I still see people buying packs of six, bottled water, shrink wrapped in plastic. Get one bottle and fill it from the tap!! .
It's easy to say one persons activities won't make any difference but if everyone was more aware it would all add up and help. Humans don't like the discomfort of change and ,yes, it's much easier to just hop in the car than get on the bus.
What motivates me is looking at my little grandchild and wondering what we are leaving for her to have to live through?
So my answer is it seems that drastic situations need drastic measures and these people are actually courageous and following their hearts.
It may be costing some money and inconvenient but it does bring the issue into focus. It will be costing trillions and trillions more to help all the droves of displaced people whose countries are no longer habitable because of raging fires, foods or famine.
Humans are slow learners and quick forgetters...we need reminding!
The problem is huge as the planet is set up in the way it is and changing all of that is a monumental task. But when I die I want to be able to say that at least I did what I could!