Weekend pondering at 420 ppm CO2. I'm not an expert on theory of change, but here are my best guesses at tackling the #ClimateEmergency:
1) If we do not centre equity, justice and decolonisation, our zero carbon lifestyle will be just as destructive as this one.
2) We will need to upscale current technologies and develop new ones; but it won't be enough. Tech bro wannabe saviours need to check their egos.
3) Many of us must change our lifestyles; but we must ask that with empathy. It will be liberating for some and painful for others.
4) I trust communities more than politicians to lead the way. I trust cities more than nations. But we'll need all of them.
5) I do not think capitalism can get it done. I don't. But it's the prevailing ideology now, so I expect those institutions to fucking try. Hard.
6) Even if you're not protesting, thank those who do. The changes needed are too bold, too big to achieve without determined activism.
7) This challenge is so pervasive that everyone can contribute by doing what they love - science, art, journalism, politics, music, finance.
8) Love will be the most important driver. But we'll often need to embrace the power of our anger and sorrow.
9) We've all got something to offer. Conversely, no one person or one idea will be the saviour. Set aside ego and embrace community and inclusivity.
An even 10: We cannot stop environmental destruction without a love for humanity. We are as much of nature as ants, trees, lichen & bacteria. Our lifestyles cause harm, but we've also created beauty and discovered wonder. All of us and all yet to be born are worthy of saving.
For point (5) a vital contribution from my friend and colleague, @RajThamotheram 👇
Final version of @ogu_bristol Research Fellow Claudia Sosa-Montes de Oca published. Once again, we find (as others have): "Minor changes in biomarker assemblages in the aftermath of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event." Here in Spain.
But what does it mean?? It means.... that despite widespread extinction across all realms of life at the KPg, the organic markers for eukaryotic and bacterial life do not change much. 🤔
(You can stare at that figure a long time. Yes, there are a few wiggles across the KPg.... but nothing that is all that striking to an organic geochemist)
First, this article suggests that @UKRI_News has cut research funding. Not quite, no. These are the inevitable consequences of government cuts to international development assistance. It is the latest chapter in the recent walking back of the UK's global committments.
Aside from not blaming @UKRI_News for simply passing on govt cuts, we must hold the government accountable for all of their lapsed promises.
This video is amazing! And ALSO a great example of the difference between energy (or work) and power... And that let's us explore why it is so damned hard to wean ourselves from fossil fuels - as we must.
Everyone, gather round! I want to tell you how the marvelous @LucasAntics Park Row artwork came to pass!
In 2014, Bristol was preparing to be the European Green Capital in 2015. Many great projects were envisioned, including collaborations with Bristol's outstanding artists, like @lukejerram who created Withdrawn: lukejerram.com/withdrawn/ and many curated by @FestivalofIdeas
It had been about 50 years since the publication of J.G. Ballard's iconic disaster novels, The Drowned World, The Burning World and my favourite, the surreal and biologically disturbing The Crystal World. Consequently, ideas were brainstormed around these.