Thread by @shellenberger

1. Three and a half years ago I founded Environmental Progress with the immodest goal of lifting all humans out of poverty while protecting the natural environment.

I did so because talking about a better world isn't enough. We also need to act to create one.

https://twitter.com/ShellenbergerMD/status/1162026417216880641

2. Since then, EP & our allies have built a rapidly growing movement that is saving and growing nuclear

On Sunday, October 20, EP and our allies will build on our past success by organizing "Stand Up for Nuclear" events in cities around the world

standupfornuclear.org

3. Then, last week, as we were launching Stand Up, we were horrified to learn that the man suspected of killing 22 people in El Paso did so in the name of saving the environment.

4. In a manifesto, the suspect used the same pessimistic, anti-human language to justify his sinister deed that mainstream environmentalists use — and just as the suspect in last March's Christchurch shootings did, and just as the Unabomber did before them.

5. I felt the need to speak out and wrote a case against eco-pessimism for Quillette, which you can read below. I wrote it because words and ideas clearly matter. They mattered to the Unabomber, and they mattered to the El Paso and Christchurch suspects.

quillette.com/2019/08/15/the…

6. I wrote it because I want people to know that we can care passionately about the natural environment, but only if we care passionately about people.

7. The reason I am passionate about nuclear is that it's one of the most important technologies for both human flourishing and environmental quality.

8. Nuclear debunks the notions that humankind is running out of resources, that there are too many people, and that other people — the poor, immigrants, and non-whites — "can't live the way we live," in the sinister language of many eco-pessimists.

9. While we must speak out with our words, we must recognize that words aren't enough. People who believe in nuclear simply haven't done enough over the last 50 years to engage the public and advocate for the technology.

10. Traumatized by the war on nuclear, many have kept their heads down, often understandably. But with nuclear energy under attack around the world from the very people who say they worry the most about the environment, we must stand up for nuclear.

11. Since announcing Stand Up for Nuclear 2 days ago, the number of cities where there will be events has grown from 20 to 30. We hope to reach 40 cities by October 20. I very much hope you consider organizing, attending, or donating financially to make the events happen.

12. EP and Stand Up for Nuclear do not accept any funding from the nuclear industry, but we strongly encourage those whose lives depend on a vibrant and growing nuclear industry to join us.

standupfornuclear.org

13. It's time for a change. We need to think differently, speak differently, and act differently if we are to achieve not just EP's mission but also the world that I believe most people want: nature and prosperity for all.

14. We have the right tools. We have the right ideas. Our hearts are in the right place. Now we must find the courage to stand up for what's right.

I hope you will read the article below, and share it with friends & followers.

quillette.com/2019/08/15/the…