Alison Green (6)

Quick read from a collection of essays that represent the varied voices of the XR extinction rebellion, non violent climate awareness protest.

Some of the authors are on the point and present a useful framework to begin unraveling the political process around climate, the last page contract with the state is the most reasonable apex of this movement but the book also shows how complicated this is going to be.

The voices are not all united, the ethical trade offs are not looked at in detail, the cost of technological debt in infrastructure is not recognised, the issue with changing path dependent processes is mostly taken to some sort of new economic revolution, but we don’t know what.

I admire the resolve and mission, I an uncomfortable with lack of specificity. I think the movement’s writing could easily provide as much the basis for eco-exclusivism as it could for something practical.

Speak the truth, but I am not sure the truth is completely allowed to be spoken here. The tabu against nuclear power one example.

This is a must read even for those that completely disagree so that they understand what will shape the politics of the next decade.… (mais)

This is a very practical introduction to why we should all be climate activists. It draws on numerous current issues whilst also exemplifying the need for diversity - both in terms of decolonising activism and on a skills-based level. Activism does not just mean signing petitions and taking to the streets, those events also need welfare and signs and social media. Drawing on essays from a range of activists, the handbook makes clear why and how we all need to work together. Highly recommend for anyone who's new to the topic… (mais)

I find myself agreeing with so much of this book so, why do I feel uncomfortable with its prescriptive content?

It may be that I am just too cowardly to put myself at risk of arrest and would rather hide behind excuses but, I would (obviously) offer a different reason. I accept that revolutions are better served by a small caucus of leaders. If the take over of the state were to require a poll of thousands of supporters, all checking their i-phones for a convenient date, that day would never come. The downside of revolution is that, having attained power, that tight leadership group is never keen to release power to the proletariat, who might not follow the prescribed path.

This is a real dilemma because, I begin to think that only some form of overthrow of the current system can save human kind.… (mais)

Extinction Rebellion’s handbook, This is Not A Drill, details ways that individuals can act to mitigate the forthcoming climate catastrophe. The book – edited by Clare Farrell, Alison Green, Sam Knights, and William Skeaping – is structured into two parts. In the first, “Tell the Truth,” contributors explain in detail the realities of the climate crisis, lack of action, and how capitalism is driving the impending catastrophe. In the second part, “Act Now,” the contributors explain how burgeoning and experienced climate activists can take action to make their voices heard and begin to shape policy. The result is a work that functions in parallel with other volumes about the sixth extinction and climate change, including Greta Thunberg’s book as well as Jane Fonda’s What Can I Do?. Though the authors primarily describe a British context, much of what they discuss can apply to any post-industrial nation, particularly in how post-industrial societies shift the brunt of climate change to indigenous peoples and those countries still bearing the brunt of centuries of colonialism. A good introduction for those looking to become more involved in protesting inaction with the climate crisis.… (mais)