Does environmental protest work?

I read Plane Stupid's latest blog with mixed feelings of mild amusement and futility. There's some useful contributions to the climate change debate on their website, and there's no doubt that the right to protest is an important part of a functioning democracy. But I have big doubts as to whether waving placards in peoples faces, interrupting public debates and normal peoples' working day has any effect on anyones behaviour at all. It's a democracy. Engage in debate, sure, but don't stifle it, that just leads to stronger polarisation of everyone's views, wastes energy and prevents positive change.

In all likelyhood the global economic downturn will have a bigger effect on airlines that any banners or placards. If you really want to affect change, 

• don't buy out-of-season foods, consumer electronics, clothing or goods manufactured outside of your own country
• become an independent MP and engage in the political debate
• live the life you think people should lead - become an example to us all
• don't get your electricity from the national grid
• use public transport, don't drive (not even to protests!)
• work near where you live
• grow your own food
• plant trees
• buy local

Want to change the world? Change yourself.