"Protesters risking criminal charges" is the problem. It shouldn't be illegal to protest - even if the problem they're complaining about isn't a big deal to you.

But your numbers are meaningless if half the stuff in the EU and US says "Made in China" on it. We are absolutely a big part of the climate problem.

If the protesters don't get their way, the consequences to humanity will be far more severe than the loss of a few paintings. I'd happily see every old painting covered in soup if it resulted in meaningful climate action.

How is a clampdown on peaceful protest anything to do with gun control? "First my school banned chainsaws, now they're banning mobile phones!"

I think they were referring to a hyperdrive from science fiction, i.e. faster-than-light travel