Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective

Environmental Action

Simon NicholsonSchool of International ServiceAmerican Universitysimon.nicholson@american.edu

The Green Sanctuary Program Combining “the quest for justice and the

healing of Earth”

Four focus areas Worship and celebration Religious education Environmental justice Sustainable living

March 31, 2005

Strains on Nature Are Growing, Report Says

By REUTERS OSLO, March 30 - Humans are damaging the planet at a rapid rate and raising risks of abrupt collapses in nature that could spur disease, deforestation or "dead zones" in the seas, an international report said Wednesday.

The study, by 1,360 researchers in 95 nations, the biggest review of the planet's life support systems ever, said that in the last 50 years a rising human population had polluted or overexploited two -thirds of the ecol ogical systems on which life depends, including clean air and fresh water. "At the heart of this assessment is a stark warning," said the 45 -member board of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. "Human activity is putting such strain on the natural function s of earth that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted."

The report said future strains on nature could bring sudden outbreaks of disease. Warming of the Great Lakes in Africa from climate c hange, for instance, could create conditions for a spread of cholera.

The study urged changes in consumption, better education, new technology and higher prices for exploiting ecosystems.

Thinking Beyond the LightbulbSome “Sustainable Living” pledges from a UU

congregation in MA:

1. Reduce driving speed by 2 mph. 2. Check tire pressure. 3. Replace three or more light bulbs with compact fluorescents.4. Use a canvas bag for groceries.

5. Seal cracks and improve home insulation. 6. Increase air conditioning setting. 7. Make sure all lights and electronics are off when not in use. 8. Reduce the thermostat setting at home. 9. Use “green,” nontoxic cleaning supplies.10.Use locally grown food.

http://www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/rtn/#plastic-bottles

Reframing Environmental Action

Human Nature

Environmental Strategy

Social Change

Michael Maniates’ “Trinity of Despair”

“Never has so little been asked of so many at such a critical moment.”

- Michael Maniates

Building Coalitions for Change Where are the leverage points for social

and political change? Donella Meadows: From “diddling with the

details” to paradigmatic shifts

Framing and messaging Talk to people where they are Employ networks of trust First, talk to the moderates

Framing and messaging (cont.) Talk to people where they are Employ networks of trust First, talk to the moderates “Make it personal” Tie to deep convictions and values

The Kansas Example Only 48% of people in the Midwest agree

with the statement that there is “solid evidence that the average temperature on earth has been getting warmer”

Yet Hutchinson, Kansas just won a $50m contract to produce wind turbines

The principal of Mount Hope’s elementary school dressed up as an “energy bandit” at a recent student assembly …

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/science/earth/19fossil.html

Connecting with values Thrift

Towns compete with one another to become more energy-efficient

Patriotism Energy independence

Spiritual conviction “Creation care” – taking stewardship seriously

Economic prosperity Green jobs

Framing and messaging (cont.) Talk to people where they are Employ networks of trust First, talk to the moderates “Make it personal” Tie to deep convictions and values Point to preferred futures, not sacrifices

http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Consumer/Information.cfm?id=7650

Washington DC Food Deserts

“We might be lost, but we’re making excellent time.”

- Yogi Berra

Simon NicholsonSchool of International Service

American UniversityWashington, D.C.

simon.nicholson@american.edu