In September, Grist writer Mike Tidwell asked us to imagine what would have become of civil rights if we had behaved toward racial segregation the way we are behaving toward the issue of climate change. Tidwell jests:
“Apartheid rules across much of our land and here are three things you can do: Take time, if possible, to feed three Negroes who seek food at your lunch counter each month. Consider giving up your use of the N-word, or at least cut down. And avoid vacationing in states where National Guardsmen are needed to enroll blacks in public schools.” (Full article Consider Using the N-Word Less).
Tidwell brings up an interesting point: Global climate change is happening. What’s more, over 90 percent of our best scientists say that its effects will happen more rapidly and more rampantly than we previously thought. So we need to take action, and fast. So why do we continue to let action be voluntary?
Because enacting regulations splits those working for change and weakens their collective argument.
When it comes to regulating action, most environmentalists are aware of the thin green line that splits supporters: some say carbon-conscious tweaking to business as usual is good enough for now, others say we need strong, science-based policy that will reduce climate changing emissions. The first could be enacted more quickly because it keeps more camps happy, but allows for continued wasting and polluting. The second is the more effective choice in terms reduction, but is typically more expensive and therefore may not gain enough support to become law.
I would argue that unless we show greater political support for strong, science-based policy, we are headed toward a carbon-conscious tweaked, business-as-usual limbo: one where individuals, corporations and governments change their earth-destructive behavior just enough to stop the boat from rocking too much.
But isn’t this why we’ve been feeling slightly seasick since the 60s?
Unless we continue to fight for solutions that will make a difference, we are destined to remain in this limbo. We need to support effective environment policy and technology, we need to engage with our community members and we need to participate to create change.
We need to decide what we want our future to look like and then head confidently in that direction. So what does that look like to you? What kind of a world do you want to hand the next generation?
Filed under: Green livin'
