We were quite rude about this event last year (1), but perhaps we're mellowing with age so we'll give it a plug. This Saturday (4/11) sees a march and rally against climate change beginning at the US embassy at midday (2) and then heading down to Trafalgar Square for a rally with the usual (probably quite dull) speakers and a vague promise of some tunes. (3)
Some cynics on the left and the right have suggested that climate change is a perfectly normal cycle and very little to do with CO2 emissions. They may well have a point, but the fact is, that as anarchists, it's not a point that matters.
With the mood in the west turning green then we have a chance to show the ways in which a mass production economy not only affects the environment, but affects us all. Mass production is incompatible with sustainability, and whether or not CO2 emission will burn up the planet, the endless road building, plastic trash, nuclear waste and destruction of natural environments is set to make this planet a pretty unpleasant place to live ... assuming livin's still gonna be a possibility.
And that's likely to happen quite soon. Sadly, at present we are restricted to a finite planet and resources will run out, it's only a question of when.
That is of course not to mention the billions the world over who will suffer the effects of climate change, which whilst possibly not be man made, is undoubtedly happening.
Or the thousands killed every year by cars, or wars for oil and other resources. Or quite simply the majority of the world who spend the day making shit we don't need for poverty wages, just to keep a handful of over-privileged wankers in a life of luxury.
It is a tragic waste of the human experience and it will be stopped.
Sustainability also encourages us to take back the means of production for ourselves, to create or own power, grow our own food and shape our own world. More importantly it teaches us that co-operation is vital if humanity is to survive and prosper into the future.
The publication of the very serious if not downright stern report seems to have got the capitalists on the ropes if only momentarily. Perhaps it never occured to them that envivronmental disaster might cost money.
The oil companies are fast becoming the devils of the world and the public seems to be accepting that. Meanwhile 4x4 driving petty bourgeios pricks are becoming pariahs as the chattering classes fall over themselves to but fair trade and eat organic food.
Buying fair trade and eating organic won't change anything, neither will Saturdays march.
Direct action and the building of grass roots, militant movements just might. The climate camp, plane stupid, rising tide and critical mass amongst others are beginning to show a strength to our movement that maybe we weren't even aware of. It's a good start.
We have a window, we must use it.
For the green, the red and the black.
(1)
http://johnnyvoid.blogspot.com/2005/12/climate-change-demo-brings-rain-and.html
(2) http://www.campaigncc.org/
(3) http://www.icount.org.uk/
With the mood in the west turning green then we have a chance to show the ways in which a mass production economy not only affects the environment, but affects us all. Mass production is incompatible with sustainability, and whether or not CO2 emission will burn up the planet, the endless road building, plastic trash, nuclear waste and destruction of natural environments is set to make this planet a pretty unpleasant place to live ... assuming livin's still gonna be a possibility.
And that's likely to happen quite soon. Sadly, at present we are restricted to a finite planet and resources will run out, it's only a question of when.
That is of course not to mention the billions the world over who will suffer the effects of climate change, which whilst possibly not be man made, is undoubtedly happening.
Or the thousands killed every year by cars, or wars for oil and other resources. Or quite simply the majority of the world who spend the day making shit we don't need for poverty wages, just to keep a handful of over-privileged wankers in a life of luxury.
It is a tragic waste of the human experience and it will be stopped.
Sustainability also encourages us to take back the means of production for ourselves, to create or own power, grow our own food and shape our own world. More importantly it teaches us that co-operation is vital if humanity is to survive and prosper into the future.
The publication of the very serious if not downright stern report seems to have got the capitalists on the ropes if only momentarily. Perhaps it never occured to them that envivronmental disaster might cost money.
The oil companies are fast becoming the devils of the world and the public seems to be accepting that. Meanwhile 4x4 driving petty bourgeios pricks are becoming pariahs as the chattering classes fall over themselves to but fair trade and eat organic food.
Buying fair trade and eating organic won't change anything, neither will Saturdays march.
Direct action and the building of grass roots, militant movements just might. The climate camp, plane stupid, rising tide and critical mass amongst others are beginning to show a strength to our movement that maybe we weren't even aware of. It's a good start.
We have a window, we must use it.
For the green, the red and the black.
(1)
http://johnnyvoid.blogspot.com/2005/12/climate-change-demo-brings-rain-and.html (2)
http://www.campaigncc.org/ (3)
http://www.icount.org.uk/
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Climate change IS here
03.11.2006 21:27
Anyone who is sceptical about climate change should read the excellent 'Atlas of Climate change' published by Earthscan and check out the various articles published in New Scientist, especially by Fred Pierce, one of which is an in-depth look at the climate change deniers and their sources of funding.
Denying climate change is happening might be comforting but it's lying to ourselves.
Wales Eco woman
e-mail:
leila@atac.fsnet.co.uk