Technology Won’t Stop the Climate Apocalypse with Dr. Dana Fisher
May 1, 2024
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Dr. Dana Fisher, an expert in sociology and climate change, discusses the social aspect of addressing climate change with Adam. They explore the importance of collective action, challenges in activism, and the power of real membership organizations in combating the climate crisis.
Climate change requires sociological perspective for collective solutions.
Activism during climate shocks influences political decisions and initiatives.
More funding for sociological research on societal response to climate challenges is essential.
Local climate activism and community engagement are effective in reducing carbon emissions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Collective Activism in Climate Change
Addressing climate change requires collective activism and engagement of everyday citizens. Individual actions, while important, are not enough to combat the systemic problems caused by climate change. Joining local movements, getting involved in community actions, and supporting political candidates who prioritize climate change are essential for driving social change.
The Cyclical Nature of Activism
Activism is a cyclical process that often peaks in response to specific events or climate shocks. Mass mobilization and public engagement are critical during such moments to channel individuals' concerns and outrage into collective action. Political decisions and initiatives are influenced by the level of public activism and engagement.
Equipping Society with Social Change Tools
Sociological research plays a crucial role in understanding how social responses and actions can impact climate change solutions. More funding and support are needed for social science research that studies the societal response to climate challenges, including the effectiveness of various forms of activism and engagement.
Local Engagement and Environmental Impact
Engaging in local climate activism, such as joining organizations like Sunrise Movement or League of Conservation Voters, can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions. Participating in community-driven initiatives, supporting clean energy transitions, and advocating for policy changes are effective ways for individuals to contribute towards climate solutions.
Activists Need to Create Community and Solidarity
Activists are encouraged to create community and solidarity, reaching out across movements and identities to foster unity. Drawing from the Civil Rights Movement, activists are urged to build a diverse network and support system for mutual aid and organizational strength.
Taking Advantage of Moral Shocks and Capitalizing on Violence Against Activists
Activists are advised to leverage moral shocks and instances of violence against activists to fuel the movement. By highlighting instances of repression and violence, the movement can mobilize a broader base of support and draw attention to critical issues, following the legacies of past movements that capitalized on such shocks.
Cultivating Resilience in Communities
Encouraging everyday citizens to focus on resilience, the importance of building communities that can withstand climate shocks is emphasized. Enhancing environmental and social resilience at a local level is highlighted as a key strategy in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change.
The Power of Unified Action and Hope
Recognizing the power of unified action and hope in addressing the urgent climate crisis, the need for collective mobilization and solidarity is underscored. By embracing anger and involvement, individuals can contribute to the collective effort of saving ourselves from the escalating impacts of climate change.
The climate crisis is unfolding very day, with many inevitable consequences looming in the near future. While we may hope for clean energy or fossil fuel alternatives to save the day, climate change is more than just a technological issue—it's fundamentally a social problem. When tend to view climate change only from an ecological or technological perspective, but we require a sociological view to understand how we can collectively solve it. This week, Adam discusses these complexities with Dr. Dana Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity and author of Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action. They explore the role of hope in the climate crisis, strategies for collective action, and the possibility that things may worsen before they improve. Find Dana's book at factuallypod.com/books
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