Yes! I agree that it's about narratives. And we have alternatives to the currently dominant narrative already, even disconnected from "environmentalism" - minimalism, simple living, etc. Many people crave a simpler, less stressful life.
I think individual lifestyle changes as a means to address the climate crisis have been frowned upon in recent years, because individuals cannot change the world by driving or flying less; the narrative in the climate movement has mostly been that politics & companies are responsible. Of course, it is true that they have responsibility. But if we, as individuals, groups and eventually as a society, do not change what we value and aim for in life, there will never be enough incentive for politicians and company bosses to implement changes.
Totally agree with you here - this conversation deserves so much more nuance. I think it is a shame that we have been told to think about structural vs individual change as distinct and potentially even contradictory things when we need both! Thank you for the thoughtful comment 💚
Love the actions you provide here! One year off instagram and it’s wild to me that it used to feel like a dire decision! Trying to encourage friends to take a step back too :)
It is damn hard isn’t it 🤧 Proud of you for sticking with it! I took a long break but moved across the world, and now IG is tempting me… I miss seeing what people are up to hahaha
This is great Chloé! shoutout to public libraries <3 And I love the idea of an anti-capitalist walk, I'll try that (maybe also without headphones, not 'consuming' any media)
And don't forget irony and hypocrisy, it's important to attempt to deal with that. Narratives and writing matter, for sure, they give meaning and context. But it's meaning and context to the tangible things of this world which we have to engage with too, they are matter in tonnes, metres and biometrics. It matters what matters we use to make matters matter.
Excellent.
Thank you so much.
Love this anti-capitalist walk idea!
Yes!! Would definitely encourage you to map out your local anti-capitalist routes and enjoy distraction free walks. so refreshing 🐸
Yes! I agree that it's about narratives. And we have alternatives to the currently dominant narrative already, even disconnected from "environmentalism" - minimalism, simple living, etc. Many people crave a simpler, less stressful life.
I think individual lifestyle changes as a means to address the climate crisis have been frowned upon in recent years, because individuals cannot change the world by driving or flying less; the narrative in the climate movement has mostly been that politics & companies are responsible. Of course, it is true that they have responsibility. But if we, as individuals, groups and eventually as a society, do not change what we value and aim for in life, there will never be enough incentive for politicians and company bosses to implement changes.
Totally agree with you here - this conversation deserves so much more nuance. I think it is a shame that we have been told to think about structural vs individual change as distinct and potentially even contradictory things when we need both! Thank you for the thoughtful comment 💚
Excellent read!
Thanks Leonard! 🫶
Love the actions you provide here! One year off instagram and it’s wild to me that it used to feel like a dire decision! Trying to encourage friends to take a step back too :)
It is damn hard isn’t it 🤧 Proud of you for sticking with it! I took a long break but moved across the world, and now IG is tempting me… I miss seeing what people are up to hahaha
This is great Chloé! shoutout to public libraries <3 And I love the idea of an anti-capitalist walk, I'll try that (maybe also without headphones, not 'consuming' any media)
Your piece also made me think of this Rebecca Solnit essay from a while back: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/jan/12/rebecca-solnit-climate-crisis-popular-imagination-why-we-need-new-stories
Hey Charlotte! Thanks so much for dropping by. It’s funny you mention that - I’ve also been having thoughts about my music consumption lately…
And that Rebecca Solnit essay is one of my favorites! I keep coming back to it 🥺
great actionable steps that all of us can take. thank you!
Thank you Fiona! Means a lot 🫶
You've got some great ideas in here. Vote with your life!
100%! Thank you for your kind words 💚
And don't forget irony and hypocrisy, it's important to attempt to deal with that. Narratives and writing matter, for sure, they give meaning and context. But it's meaning and context to the tangible things of this world which we have to engage with too, they are matter in tonnes, metres and biometrics. It matters what matters we use to make matters matter.