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.
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