Marian Goodell et al: Inside Burning Man’s Worst Case Scenario
Sep 15, 2023
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Katie Bain reflects on the media's portrayal of Burning Man 2023, Katrina Gordon discusses camp management and resilience, Emily Collins challenges the ethics of a large-scale event in the face of climate change, Matt Sundquist talks about sustainability, and Marian Goodell shares real-time experiences during the storm at Burning Man.
The Rave Revolution and Seven Circles Coalition called for Burning Man to address the climate crisis through system change, direct action, and sustainable practices.
Burning Man's 2030 Sustainability Roadmap sets ambitious goals for regenerative practices, carbon negativity, and waste management, aiming to lead by example in addressing carbon emissions.
Collaborative and well-planned protests, in partnership with local environmental organizations, can be more effective in driving transformative change.
Burning Man 2023 showcased the resilience, unity, commitment to sustainability, and transformative experience of the community in the face of challenges.
Emily Collins, one of the founders of Rave Revolution, and members of the Seven Circles Coalition, organized a climate protest at Burning Man. They targeted Burning Man as a place for direct action on climate, believing that the Burning Man community has the potential to make meaningful change in the default world. They created a letter of demands to the Burning Man Board, including calls for the organization to be radically honest about the need for system change, to mobilize the community for direct action, and to lead by example with sustainable practices such as banning single-use plastics and reducing generator use. They question Burning Man's apolitical stance and urge the organization to do more to address the climate crisis.
Challenging Burning Man's Sustainability Roadmap
The demands put forth by Rave Revolution and the Seven Circles Coalition align with some of the goals in Burning Man's sustainability roadmap, such as banning single-use items and reducing generator use. However, they believe that the roadmap's timeline is too slow and not enough urgency is being placed on addressing the climate crisis. They question if the organization is making good-faith efforts or if changes need to happen more quickly to combat the effects of climate change. They also question if Burning Man, in its current format, is appropriate given the environmental and societal crises facing the world. They raise concerns about the sustainability of the event and advocate for considering alternative approaches or locations that align more closely with addressing these issues.
Burning Man as an Ideal Place for Climate Solutions
Burning Man's unique combination of creativity, passion, and temporary city construction make it an ideal place for working on climate solutions. The ability to reimagine the city each year allows for prototype testing of sustainable infrastructure and innovative ways of consumption, resource sharing, and waste management. The organization's 2030 sustainability roadmap sets ambitious goals of regenerative practices, carbon negativity, and waste management. Burning Man aims to lead by example in addressing the carbon emissions from transportation to and from Black Rock City. The organization is committed to becoming carbon negative through carbon dioxide removal initiatives, which aim to permanently sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. Burning Man recognizes the need for collaboration, buy-in, and time to achieve these goals, as the culture and community of Burning Man are based on shared contributions and decentralized decision-making.
Effectiveness of Direct Action in Enacting Change
Direct action, such as the environmental protests during the opening of Burning Man, can be an impactful strategy for enacting change. However, it is crucial for protesters to be well-informed about the target organization or event, and to have a clear theory of change. It is important to research and understand the sustainability efforts already being undertaken, like Burning Man's sustainability roadmap, to ensure that demands align with ongoing initiatives. Collaborative and well-planned protests, organized in partnership with local environmental organizations and stakeholders, can be more effective in driving transformative change. It is also important to consider the context in which the protest takes place, such as ensuring proper permission and engagement with tribal authorities when on tribal land. In the case of Burning Man, the organization invites collaboration and partnerships from within the community and external entities to address climate change and promote land stewardship, restorative justice, and decolonization.
The Narrative Around Burning Man 2023
Burning Man 2023 presented a unique and transformative experience due to the storm and subsequent challenges faced by participants. The event showcased the resilience, collaboration, and adaptability of the Burning Man community in the face of adversity. The strong sense of community, commitment to shared struggles, and creativity allowed for collective problem-solving and a deepening of relationships. The lengthy duration of the event, from pre-build to strike, provided an extended opportunity for connection and collaboration among participants. While media coverage may have focused on negative aspects or perpetuated stereotypes, such as wealthy attendees being stuck in the mud, the reality on the ground demonstrated a powerful sense of unity, a commitment to sustainability goals, and a drive to make meaningful change. The event was a testament to the ability of the Burning Man community to effectively navigate challenges and create a transformative experience based on collaboration, stewardship, and the core principles of participation and self-expression.
Managing the Rain Event and Decision-Making Process
During the rain event at Burning Man, a team of key individuals, including event director Charlie Dohlman and government relations personnel, made critical decisions about road closures and management of the situation. The decision-making process involved considering various factors and consulting with relevant government agencies. While there was outside pressure for evacuation, the team determined the best course of action to ensure the safety of participants. The experience highlighted the need for adaptability and collaborative problem-solving in the face of challenges.
Burning Man's Commitment to Climate Change and Sustainability
Burning Man has a 2030 Sustainability Roadmap, which aims to achieve regenerative practices, carbon negativity, and responsible waste management. Despite criticisms about Burning Man's environmental impact, the organization is actively working towards these sustainability goals. The culture of Burning Man encourages participants to find innovative solutions to environmental challenges and to make conscious choices that prioritize conservation. Through collaborative efforts and embracing a participant-driven approach, Burning Man aims to create a more sustainable future and inspire positive change in the broader community.
Burning Man 2023 was many things, most of which were not accurately portrayed in the media. We experienced a weather event that united us, tested our resilience, and sparked a renewed sense of purpose while also accelerating a critical examination of where Burning Man stands in the broader context of sustainability.
Today on the show, I've asked five different guests to help craft a comprehensive picture of the 2023 event, the state of our culture, and the future of Black Rock City.
(01:00) - Eamon's Intro
(12:00) - Part 1: Katie Bain (Billboard): "Whimsy Is Reliance" | Katie Bain, Director of Billboard Dance, cuts through the media noise with her balanced and playful perspective on this year's Burning Man.
(28:00) - Part 2: Katrina Gordon (Camp KISS): The Grasshopper Prepares | Katrina Gordon, one of the leads of my own Camp KISS, gives the nitty-gritty of camp management and resilience.
(51:00) - Part 3: Emily Collins (Seven Circles): Burners of the World Unite! | Emily Collins, an environmental protester, challenges us to consider the ethical implications of such a large-scale event in the face of climate change.
(1:14:00) - Part 4: Matthew Sundquist (Fly Ranch): A Slow Burn to Sustainability | Matt Sundquist, director of Fly Ranch, discusses the 2030 Sustainability Roadmap and using a Theory of Change approach to sustainability.
(1:41:00) - Part 5: Marian Goodell (Burning Man Project): The Storm is our Portal to the Future | Co-founder and CEO of Burning Man shares her real-time decision-making and unique insights into Burning Man's evolution and its role in the broader climate conversation.
Whether you're a seasoned Burner or a curious onlooker, today's episode promises to be a rollercoaster of emotion, insight, and, yes, a bit of whimsy. Because at the end of the day, we're all asking the same questions: In an age of climate uncertainty, should we be gathering for events like Burning Man? Or is it precisely these communal experiences that teach us resilience and keep our spirits high?
