There's no moral comparison between humans who suffered in slavery and molecules of fossil fuels. But the abolition movement of the nineteenth century may hold the key to unblocking climate action today. Image: slaveryimages.org. The planet continues to fry. Yet, America is pumping more fossil fuel than it has in decades. And the U.S. government does nothing to slow the … [Read more...]
Consumer worldview not as entrenched as you think
A worldview is a basic way of interpreting things and events that pervades a culture so thoroughly that it becomes that culture's concept of reality — what is good, what is important, what is sacred, and what is real. It is so invasive that it is invisible. It is simply assumed to be true apart from any inquiry into its validity. If a worldview maintains that the emperor is … [Read more...]
Naomi Klein now officially a peak oiler
You're more likely to hear the author of No Logo: Taking on the Brand Bullies target Nike sweatshops than predict how many barrels per day are likely to come out of Ghawar in the third quarter. Recently, perhaps the world's most popular activist has taken leadership on climate issues. Last week Klein joined the board of the new-and-improved 350.org, on the occasion of their … [Read more...]
When audacious is just another word for stupid
"An audacious new theory to compete with 'Peak Oil': Hydrocarbons forever," reads the headline on a Fortune piece about what must be one of the dumbest perpetual-motion schemes since the Hydrogen Economy. It's got two parts, each equally fantastic. Thank you for smoking First, start with a new take on the perennial industry joke "clean coal." But this time, don't even … [Read more...]
The shock doctrine hits climate change
"Only a crisis produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around," said free-market saint Milton Friedman. Today, as the world reels from recession, unemployment and civil unrest all while facing an oil shock and worsening symptoms of climate change, Friedman's disciples hope to capitalize on today's … [Read more...]