We all operate under assumptions. It makes our lives easier. I've even read that a psychologist (don't ask me who) theorises that our experiences make up a system of assumptions that help us cope with data overload.
I assume that the drivers around me will decide to signal before passing(no matter how many times they don't), just so I don't drive under constant stress.
One of the most fundamental assumptions in the world today is: we can trust people to make the right choices.
Democracy is all about giving choice to people, to experience life the way they want to, to think and express freely without fear. It also gives a tremendous room for mistakes to be made, though this is subjective. Maybe there are certain things that most can agree are horrible mistakes, such as running a red light or killing innocents.
The entire raison d'etre of an awareness campaign has always been to convince people that the choice that they fight for IS the right choice to make, whether it's an ideology or just a simple act, whether it's climate change denial or turning the lights off for one hour (8:30 March 28 2009 is Earth Hour by the way). A major part of environmentalism has been awareness, it's a catchphrase. It not only implies knowing what the subject is defined as, but also what it means for the person who is now aware and what they can do about it.
The question now is: Has it really worked?
No, this isn't a Yes or No question. My answer would be: Sure, but not to the extent we need. With climate change scientists now calculating that the Arctic ice cover will be gone in 5 years, and the goal of 350 ppm still far-off, can we seriously claim that all these awareness campaigns the past 20 years have accomplished much?
So is it really a question of people not knowing? There are efforts to deny that climate change is happening, or even that in this case, it's man-made. We've heard that it's just part of the "natural rhythms of the Earth". As far as I'm concerned, we're winning the battle of misinformation on those grounds at least, at least since the administration in charge of such a policy has been kicked out of office for a while already.
No, the problem is that even when people do know, they exercise their free will and make the choice NOT to do something about it. We can't call them crazy or uncaring, as that just turns people off the whole idea in the first place. Should we perhaps fault the system that lets people make the kind of choice that incrementally dooms others to poverty and natural disasters? The fact that it's incremental helps people get over whatever residual guilt they might have, in comparison to actually giving a person the ability to kill another. They won't, because it's too big a step for them.
Authoritarian governments usually have negative connotations, simply because they enforce their rule through violence and coercion. Personally, I am a pacifist, though I do enjoy the guilty pleasures of a few violent video games here and there. But as a way of life, I've been wondering: wouldn't it be a lot easier if Big Brother just ordered obedience in dealing with climate change? With such a short time-limit it would certainly be ideal, and is most certainly wishful thinking.
I once read a DC Comics storyline where the superheroes actually took over the world and enforced a kind of peace on Earth, at the cost of killing a few supervillains and coercing everyone to comply. I mean, who can beat Superman? But we can't hope for a superhero to do that, nor can we give people the options of acting or ELSE.
But at the end of the day, isn't that the choice that is never actually spoken?
I don't want to end on a pessimistic note, because I believe that because even though there are no real superheroes, we are the only ones that can depend on ourselves, and there is no other choice but to fight on. Plus, it's always fun being the underdog.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wanted: Aerial Artist
Earth Hour is coming up and the MOT is planning on kicking off this guerilla campaign to get as many organizations in Shah Alam to switch their lights off.
Here's the main list we are targeting (hopefully this list will expand):
1. Universiti Teknologi MARA
2. Shah Alam Mosque
3. SACC Mall
4. Shah Alam Stadium
If we're lucky, we can even make it in time to run a carbon audit to estimate how much energy we can save just from those four massive-ass buildings.
We're still comtemplating on what exactly we can do on the 28th. I was thinking a massive street party would be cool. We could get everyone to bring their own candles, then get an aerial artist (hence the title) to design it into a cool art piece thing, then get a good photo we can send out to the media.
Then maybe we could sit around in typical hippy dippy fashion and sing the kumbaya or something.
But then again, it's Shah Alam.. And it's in the dark.. And JAIS like spying on people from the trees.. Hmm..
No matter! They can't lock us up for trying to save the world! (Can they?)
More to come! Stay tuned!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Green Drinks Kuala Lumpur
FROM THE WEBSITE:
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.
It is a monthly gathering for anyone interested in creating a more sustainable world, exchanging ideas, and hearing different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. The concept began in the UK in 1989 and has since spread around the world.
These events are very simple and unstructured... there is no agenda or other formality. The whole point is to have some good conversations in a casual and informal setting... to socialise, catch up with like-minded fridends, meet new ones, and connect with others who are passionate or curious about the environment, climate and all things 'green'.
Everyone invites someone else along... making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.
Occasionally we plan on holding evenings with a speaker who can explore relevant issues and deliver practical ideas for making greener lifestyle choices.
WHO:
Anyone with an interest in local and international environmental and sustainability issues - all ages, backgrounds and groups - non-profits, academia, government, small business, big business, self-employed, volunteers, students, concerned citizens, curious people... and everything in between.
T-Shirt or a suit, come as you are. Call in for 10 minutes or stay as long as you like. You don't even to have a drink to be a Green Drinker!
WHY:
Fun, contacts, drinks, info, gossip, inspiration, business, and pleasure.
WHEN:
The last Tuesday of every month, from 8pm
WHERE:
Palate Palette, 21 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari (behind Istana Hotel)
COST:
FREE! No fees. Buy your own drinks... or practice the art of persuasion on a friend!
HOW IT WORKS:
Sign in at the door (so we can keep in touch). Grab a nametag (or find your old one). Get a drink and/or food (optional). Mingle.
Not sure how to start? The most common method is to randomly start listening in on whatever conversation is going on... eavesdropping and lurking are socially acceptable at Green Drinks!
Green Drinkers are welcome to display cards, brochures, info sheets, posters, magazines, newsletters etc on the table... just remember to take whatever is left on the table away with you when you leave.
Contact: stevemccoy1@mac.com for more details
MY TAKE:
I came to Green Drinks with a clean slate, no expectations whatsoever, though I did go to Palate Palette with Steve to check it out weeks beforehand. The venue is cozy (read: not very big, but its effect is to push everyone closer together, which is what we want!), and is very creatively decorated.
I love it.
To be sure, it was only the first time. People my age were in short supply, and counted on just one hand. There were more than 20 people in attendance, an eclectic mix of different backgrounds, but still mostly working-age. They were all people connected to the co-founders of Green Drinks: friends of Steve's, one of Matthias' Eco-Warriors, and acquaintances of Khairun's. Had a few conversations, but not really anything substantive yet. I guess it's because the ice was just broken, first meeting and all.
Can't wait til the next one.
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.
It is a monthly gathering for anyone interested in creating a more sustainable world, exchanging ideas, and hearing different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. The concept began in the UK in 1989 and has since spread around the world.
These events are very simple and unstructured... there is no agenda or other formality. The whole point is to have some good conversations in a casual and informal setting... to socialise, catch up with like-minded fridends, meet new ones, and connect with others who are passionate or curious about the environment, climate and all things 'green'.
Everyone invites someone else along... making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.
Occasionally we plan on holding evenings with a speaker who can explore relevant issues and deliver practical ideas for making greener lifestyle choices.
WHO:
Anyone with an interest in local and international environmental and sustainability issues - all ages, backgrounds and groups - non-profits, academia, government, small business, big business, self-employed, volunteers, students, concerned citizens, curious people... and everything in between.
T-Shirt or a suit, come as you are. Call in for 10 minutes or stay as long as you like. You don't even to have a drink to be a Green Drinker!
WHY:
Fun, contacts, drinks, info, gossip, inspiration, business, and pleasure.
WHEN:
The last Tuesday of every month, from 8pm
WHERE:
Palate Palette, 21 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari (behind Istana Hotel)
COST:
FREE! No fees. Buy your own drinks... or practice the art of persuasion on a friend!
HOW IT WORKS:
Sign in at the door (so we can keep in touch). Grab a nametag (or find your old one). Get a drink and/or food (optional). Mingle.
Not sure how to start? The most common method is to randomly start listening in on whatever conversation is going on... eavesdropping and lurking are socially acceptable at Green Drinks!
Green Drinkers are welcome to display cards, brochures, info sheets, posters, magazines, newsletters etc on the table... just remember to take whatever is left on the table away with you when you leave.
Contact: stevemccoy1@mac.com for more details
MY TAKE:
I came to Green Drinks with a clean slate, no expectations whatsoever, though I did go to Palate Palette with Steve to check it out weeks beforehand. The venue is cozy (read: not very big, but its effect is to push everyone closer together, which is what we want!), and is very creatively decorated.
I love it.
To be sure, it was only the first time. People my age were in short supply, and counted on just one hand. There were more than 20 people in attendance, an eclectic mix of different backgrounds, but still mostly working-age. They were all people connected to the co-founders of Green Drinks: friends of Steve's, one of Matthias' Eco-Warriors, and acquaintances of Khairun's. Had a few conversations, but not really anything substantive yet. I guess it's because the ice was just broken, first meeting and all.
Can't wait til the next one.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Question Everyone Asks Themselves
Why do we want people to be convinced? It might seem a bit preachy sometimes, all this urging and "we have to..." phrases being thrown about whenever we talk about climate change. One person can't make a difference.
Can they?
To answer the question: every person counts. The world revolves around CIA. No, not the guys who can't even kill dictators for nuts. What we mean is Collective Individual Action. Governments need a mandate from the people in order to function. Otherwise, people would be unwilling to follow their laws. Corporations have to know what consumers want, or else their products remain unsold on shelves.
The phrase may seem like an oxymoron: who can act as a collective, while maintaining their individuality? Democracies and markets can. The opinions of such a diverse group of people average out to move the world. It may not be obvious, but the "invisible hand" works quite efficiently.
To those who have lost faith in their national governments, remember that the reason why they seem to ignore the will of the people is because of the presence of lobby groups. Gun rights, big oil and tobacco, you name it, they've got it.
Instead of throwing their hands up in despair, many non-governmental organisations have been formed to lobby politicians. As voters and fund-raisers, their concerns are key to the success of election campaigns. They force candidates to declare their stand on environmental issues rather than ignoring them (Malaysian political parties, here's looking at you). Embrace the power of democracy. Otherwise, you're letting THEM win in default when you've quit the good fight.
Even if you find politics distasteful, remember that out of the top 100 economies in the world (based on GDP), 51 are corporations. You know, the guys who care whether or not you buy their stuff. Your consumer choices matter as a whole.
There's a good reason why we keep hearing about corporate social responsibility and companies advertising their carbon footprint. It's because more and more consumers are making it clear that their choices are based on how much impact we have on our Earth. Face it, being a green consumer isn't weird if you look at it through a global perspective. In fact, you're joining the crowd!
At the end of the day, it's not hard to make a difference. Get a couple of friends and family who feel the same to act together. Question your local politicians on their environmental policies and make them spell it out in specifics. Obama can do it, why can't they? Ask your local supermarkets for certain items that make their carbon footprints clear and only buy from companies that are known for their efforts to fight climate change.
It's an old saying that together we stand, divided we fall. It's still true, but now it's all of humanity at stake.
Can they?
To answer the question: every person counts. The world revolves around CIA. No, not the guys who can't even kill dictators for nuts. What we mean is Collective Individual Action. Governments need a mandate from the people in order to function. Otherwise, people would be unwilling to follow their laws. Corporations have to know what consumers want, or else their products remain unsold on shelves.
The phrase may seem like an oxymoron: who can act as a collective, while maintaining their individuality? Democracies and markets can. The opinions of such a diverse group of people average out to move the world. It may not be obvious, but the "invisible hand" works quite efficiently.
To those who have lost faith in their national governments, remember that the reason why they seem to ignore the will of the people is because of the presence of lobby groups. Gun rights, big oil and tobacco, you name it, they've got it.
Instead of throwing their hands up in despair, many non-governmental organisations have been formed to lobby politicians. As voters and fund-raisers, their concerns are key to the success of election campaigns. They force candidates to declare their stand on environmental issues rather than ignoring them (Malaysian political parties, here's looking at you). Embrace the power of democracy. Otherwise, you're letting THEM win in default when you've quit the good fight.
Even if you find politics distasteful, remember that out of the top 100 economies in the world (based on GDP), 51 are corporations. You know, the guys who care whether or not you buy their stuff. Your consumer choices matter as a whole.
There's a good reason why we keep hearing about corporate social responsibility and companies advertising their carbon footprint. It's because more and more consumers are making it clear that their choices are based on how much impact we have on our Earth. Face it, being a green consumer isn't weird if you look at it through a global perspective. In fact, you're joining the crowd!
At the end of the day, it's not hard to make a difference. Get a couple of friends and family who feel the same to act together. Question your local politicians on their environmental policies and make them spell it out in specifics. Obama can do it, why can't they? Ask your local supermarkets for certain items that make their carbon footprints clear and only buy from companies that are known for their efforts to fight climate change.
It's an old saying that together we stand, divided we fall. It's still true, but now it's all of humanity at stake.
The Difference between the Old World & the New World
The old world was built on institutions. Nation-states, newspapers, religions, even science. People's lives revolved around them, every decision they made subject to the whims and fancies of those in power. History and tradition made it so.
The new world still has those institutions, but they have become less powerful and central to people's lives than before. This is not to say that they have become totally irrelevant. People still depend on national governments for fiscal, security and environmental policies, religion for moral support, mass media for entertainment and information. The difference is subtle, and the more powerful social forces has recognised the source of this disempowerment of institutions.
The difference is YOU. The one who everyone wants on their side, who buys their products, who views their shows. As Time put it so rightly in their 2006 edition, the person of the year (and I say era) is the individual. The examples are many: Wikipedia, civil society, blogs.
Your choices matter, because you've been given the power to make that choice. That wasn't possible in the old world, because those groups did their best (and are still trying) to centralise power in their hands.
Isn't it time that the Malaysia's proponents of climate change target individuals instead of the general public? It's reflective of the government's failures to fight for us when littering is rampant, when more rivers aren't even safe to swim in anymore. They target "the public", and hope that they are altruistic enough to save the environment for everyone else.
It's time we recognise that the best way to convince people to take action is when their livelihood is at stake, that the future of THEIR children is in peril.
Is this a call to abandon the safety of institutions? No. But it's a wake-up call to start relying on ourselves.
The new world still has those institutions, but they have become less powerful and central to people's lives than before. This is not to say that they have become totally irrelevant. People still depend on national governments for fiscal, security and environmental policies, religion for moral support, mass media for entertainment and information. The difference is subtle, and the more powerful social forces has recognised the source of this disempowerment of institutions.
The difference is YOU. The one who everyone wants on their side, who buys their products, who views their shows. As Time put it so rightly in their 2006 edition, the person of the year (and I say era) is the individual. The examples are many: Wikipedia, civil society, blogs.
Your choices matter, because you've been given the power to make that choice. That wasn't possible in the old world, because those groups did their best (and are still trying) to centralise power in their hands.
Isn't it time that the Malaysia's proponents of climate change target individuals instead of the general public? It's reflective of the government's failures to fight for us when littering is rampant, when more rivers aren't even safe to swim in anymore. They target "the public", and hope that they are altruistic enough to save the environment for everyone else.
It's time we recognise that the best way to convince people to take action is when their livelihood is at stake, that the future of THEIR children is in peril.
Is this a call to abandon the safety of institutions? No. But it's a wake-up call to start relying on ourselves.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A reflection of the status quo in Malaysia
Who fights for the environment? in the west, there is no shortage of citizens' groups who are willing to do just that. as an educated society, their votes matter. They care so much that some actually elected the Green party to head their government. None of the political parties here (government and opposition alike) even cared enough to dedicate one sentence in the manifesto to the environment.
Who knows why this happens? Maybe it's because the government makes it a hassle for those who are just starting to be environmentalists: not enough recycling bins, lax enforcement of laws in favour of developers' profits, etc. They lose faith and give up entirely. Maybe the government finds it convenient to only half-heartedly support green initiatives. We play along, recycling the cans for the first three months and then deciding that the fuel cost wasn't worth it. It's just our pockets at stake, right?
Change is inevitable. The important variables is in what direction and how quickly? When it comes to climate change, the direction should be for our own tangible future and the time must be now.
Should we sit back and wait for others to push for this? The answer is simple: if we want it done right, we have to go and do it ourselves. We can't wait any longer for heroes to come forward and save us. Surprisingly enough, only we are responsible for our future.
Who knows why this happens? Maybe it's because the government makes it a hassle for those who are just starting to be environmentalists: not enough recycling bins, lax enforcement of laws in favour of developers' profits, etc. They lose faith and give up entirely. Maybe the government finds it convenient to only half-heartedly support green initiatives. We play along, recycling the cans for the first three months and then deciding that the fuel cost wasn't worth it. It's just our pockets at stake, right?
Change is inevitable. The important variables is in what direction and how quickly? When it comes to climate change, the direction should be for our own tangible future and the time must be now.
Should we sit back and wait for others to push for this? The answer is simple: if we want it done right, we have to go and do it ourselves. We can't wait any longer for heroes to come forward and save us. Surprisingly enough, only we are responsible for our future.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Our Manifesto
This blog is written by young people, and its purpose is to ponder, examine, reflect, and convince others of the perils of climate change.
It seems presumptuous, even with the wealth of information available out there, to assume that everyone knows that it's happening now and its effects will be far-reaching. Our main obstacles aren't those scientists who believe that the climate change happening now is part of the Earth's natural cycle.
No. It's ignorance and apathy. Every person who does not know is another consumer living an unnecessarily wasteful lifestyle. Everyone who knows but do not care, they've made their choice. Perhaps we should respect their choice. After all, they do have free will. We can't force them to change.
Maybe not. Choice hinges on the person being freely informed of the nature and consequences of that very decision. Is it not our responsibility to ensure that people DO get informed?
Of course, there are many out there doing their best to inform others of the inconvenient truth of global warming. What else can we do, besides making sure that no person remains ignorant?
The last route is to persuade others that the choice they have made is narrow and very short-term oriented. As Adam Smith noted, everyone makes choices based on their own self-interest, and the world doesn't run solely on the altruism of others. Let's not forget that.
This blog does not want to preach to the choir. We want the fence-sitters and those on the other side to come here and see that the grass is greener on this side.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)