Image by: simone.brunozzi
Many of you will have already read Al Gore’s latest piece for the Rolling Stone, but I thought it was worth calling attention to the following passage. (For those who haven’t had the chance yet, the full article is available here: “Climate of Denial“)
Finally, and above all, don’t give up on the political system. Even though it is rigged by special interests, it is not so far gone that candidates and elected officials don’t have to pay attention to persistent, engaged and committed individuals. President Franklin Roosevelt once told civil rights leaders who were pressing him for change that he agreed with them about the need for greater equality for black Americans. Then, as the story goes, he added with a wry smile, “Now go out and make me do it.”
To make our elected leaders take action to solve the climate crisis, we must forcefully communicate the following message: “I care a lot about global warming; I am paying very careful attention to the way you vote and what you say about it; if you are on the wrong side, I am not only going to vote against you, I will work hard to defeat you — regardless of party. If you are on the right side, I will work hard to elect you.”
When a former vice president suggests setting aside partisan politics in favor of voting for whoever is serious about protecting the planet, it’s something I think you should give serious consideration. If enough of us did this, it wouldn’t matter who won future elections from a climate change perspective, as we’d be covered either way.
Here’s another passage which speaks to the paradigm shift which has to take place. Scientific knowledge has progressed to the point where we have to accept that the norm has changed.
But in this case, the President has reality on his side. The scientific consensus is far stronger today than at any time in the past. Here is the truth: The Earth is round; Saddam Hussein did not attack us on 9/11; Elvis is dead; Obama was born in the United States; and the climate crisis is real. It is time to act.
The whole climate change argument reminds of Mahatma Ghandi’s famous quote on social change.
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
We’re firmly rooted in stage three of that process and it’s time to go for the win.
I’d love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different view on this, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Chris
Image by: davew.wilson
If you liked this post, you might want to check out a stunning video I recently shared:
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Awesome Post – what you are saying is right.
Just like wearing down big tobacco, consistent, sustained pressure will eventually break through. But this is no need to become complacent.
Brendan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more.
-Chris
Sorry, but I don’t agree. I am not convinced by the argument that there really is significant anthropogenic global warming with the dire consequences envisioned. The “science” behind the argument is too shoddy.
A general statement attacking science won’t get you very far around here, but specific examples, with well reasoned arguments certainly would. I’d love to hear which pieces of the science you find wanting.