Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action
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Transcript of Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action
Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective
Environmental Action
Simon NicholsonSchool of International ServiceAmerican [email protected]
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.