Civilising the State: Excerpt
Those who dreamt and fought for the ideals of democracy, liberty, and equality in the time of monarchs were indispensable precisely because their hopes seemed so distant to the times. They were torchbearers.
John Restakis
Zero Carbon Sooner—Revised case for an early zero carbon target for the UK
In summary, the moral and prudential case for the UK to adopt a zero target sooner than 2050—perhaps as soon as 2030—appears to be a very strong one.
Climate change and the limits of economic growth
The only effective way to control carbon emissions, as well as related problems of pollution and biodiversity loss, is to address “overshoot,” the unconstrained use of energy and material resources well beyond planetary limits, particularly in the richer parts of the world.
Act Global, Think Local
Some thrive at the local, others the global, others at the regional, and others, still, do great bouncing from one to the other to the other. But I think there is value in considering this honestly, and better understanding at what level you want to enact change, and then focusing there.
Indigenous and feminine wisdom: an interview with Ella Noah Bancroft
Going local is remembering the old ways, the ways in which all our ancestors used to live. Going local is about reconnecting to place, people and self. It is the ultimate reconnection our planet is calling for. A slower pace and more gentle way of being on this planet.
Shaun Chamberlin on David Fleming’s Vision of Post-Capitalist Life
Shaun Chamberlin, a British author and activist, has long been involved with the Transition movement; with climate change activism; and with a titanic effort to popularize the work of his former mentor, David Fleming.
Why 4°C?
It’s worth considering that today’s children could still be around in 2100 and beyond when the global temperature increase could be 3 degrees C and higher.
Path to Extinction or Path to a Livable Future?: Review
It is well past the time to face hard decisions of how to reduce obscene levels of corporate production instead of fiddling with perpetual energy fantasies while the planet burns.
After Lockdown: Excerpt
It’s really weird, I know, to want to draw lessons from this repeat lockdown to the point of turning it into an almost metaphysical experience.
Barbados: the small but mighty force for climate action
Barbados currently has one of the most impressive emission reduction targets, known in UN jargon as NDCs (nationally determined contributions). By 2030, it is seeking to be the first 100% green and fossil-free island state in the world – even though it is one of the countries least responsible for the climate crisis.
With “net zero 2050” and the 1.5°C in the same breath, Glasgow reeks of cognitive dissonance
One after another politicians, business leaders, journalists and NGO advocates talk about “net zero 2050” and the 1.5°C Paris goal in the same breath, and get away with it.
How Much of the Worsening Energy Crisis is Due to Depletion?
But as long as we keep extracting and burning coal, oil, and natural gas, our depletion problem likewise keeps simmering away in the background. This winter, the pot may boil over.
