Thread by @EliaValentini

On my 4th (bit more challenging) day of hunger strike I would like to share why I am taking this stance and why I believe it is worth. It will necessarily be a long post but I will try and synthesise as much as I can.

#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #hungerstrike

1. Why #1: The strike symbolically represents the determination to make a little sacrifice for a greater good (reminiscent of the need of reconsidering the insane growth paradigm that is leading us to destroy the planet).

2. Why #2: In addition, it highlights the hunger and suffering that the planetary breakdown will bring about if we don't effect radical change. This is also an act of solidarity towards those activists who compromise themselves going to jail for a greater good.

3 Why #3: Finally, this is also a chance to invest time in contemplation, study and communication around this matter.

4. Why #4: All the campaigners share the belief that we cannot let our guard down on governmental inaction on the global crisis. The number of those believing in the need for non-violent civil disobedience is increasing due to the urgency we are facing.

5. Why #5: I believe that by showing how informed, serious, determined, and radical we are, we can create a breach into the continuous political and corporate green-washing and finally achieve some substantive real change to at least mitigate the already locked-in effects.

6. Why #6: Governments have been failing in protecting citizens from this global threat. There is plenty of scientific consensus and a painful display of what awaits us is brilliantly summarised by Prof.. Hayhoe in her tweets:

https://twitter.com/KHayhoe/status/1407687607991951367

7. Why #7: In a recent blog (essex.ac.uk/blog/posts/202…) I also summarised the clear prospect of the failure of current policies and pledges. It seems to me there is no other more important problem to solve for our current and future generations.

8. Why #8: If we leave it in the hands of our current leaders we cannot expect any improvement soon enough. They must be pressured and we must held them accountable.

9. Impact? #1: I have a conservative and logical approach. I don't expect people to emulate me or to embrace other forms of radical protest. We all have good reasons not to do so.

10. Impact? #2: And yet, I hope more colleagues and the public will voice their concerns and hold the leadership accountable in any form and with any reasonable non-violent means.

11. Impact? #3: I'd like to stress that there are solutions (as outlined in my blogpost), that we have the know what and know how to change Society for the better but there is fundamental lack of political/leadership will.

12. Impact? #4: A revolutionary cultural change in the way we conceive ourselves in the natural world must happen, and for that we need change at every level. From the individual to the institutional level.

Many thanks to all those who expressed support and/or respect for my choice.

If we work together we can have a better tomorrow. I hope.