Project 90 by 2030, Director, Lorna Fuller shares her Ten Suggestions to Take Civil Action Against Climate Change.
I attended the discussion on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, released for decision makers early in October. This was yet another report, prepared by the UN scientists reminding us that we (as a global “we”) are on a trajectory towards self-destruction. The really sad news is that at our current rate, we will see a temperature increase that is going to cause unprecedented changes in our landscapes.
I refrain from using the science and the figures, because when you see 2030 as a deadline, you almost feel like there is still time and when the increase is estimated at 2 °C, well you may feel that that is bearable. Actually, there isn’t time to procrastinate any more. This is not a deadline for a report that you need to submit, this is the future of working people, especially those on our own continent. The changes will be more significant in Africa and South Africa is a “hotspot” – and many people (and other organisms) are unable to migrate to better conditions.
The task falls on Project 90 by 2030 to give advice, based on our goal since 2007, Inspiring and Mobilising South Africans towards making a significant change in reducing carbon emissions. The recommendations have been made by our own experts, and reiterated in many articles over the weeks.
“It is still possible to prevent the world from warming over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It is not going to be easy and will require deep transformations of economies and societies, but it can be done and in many African countries the same transformations would yield much-needed development”.
And my learnings from the IPCC presentation were that we all need to take action. Now! We need to be avoiding further emissions while reducing poverty with a systems transition in Investments, Policies and Technologies and – don’t forget the behavioral change.
I feel that that while my personal choices of eating less meat, supporting local farmers and advocating for renewable energy are a start, these changes put a lot of responsibility on individuals and we are often failing to address the structures we live in that reinforce inequality, discrimination and racism. There are still those big corporations – they need to be held responsible!
While looking at this opportunity to address climate change with a radical transformation, and a new –ism. I am loathe to label the new order that I have in my mind as a mix of eco-socialist-feminist-democracy or such, as these labels (just like the climate change numbers) are for me, subjective and confusing. I instead envision a new order with feminine principles where nature and people are valued; and compassion, kindness, connecting and appreciation are our guidelines.
So here are my own perspectives on being a climate change activist:
1. Undertake the individual challenges because they build community and share a connectedness to caring for the planet.
2. Be kind – each person is on a different point in the continuum and every contribution helps.
3. Say No to oppression. Climate change is effecting women, marginalised communities and people of colour disproportionally. A recent study indicated that climate change denialists are also more likely to have racial prejudices and in my view, denialists may then also disregard women’s rights (and those of other races and genders) in the same way they disregard the planets rights. Even though woman bear the brunt of climate change, we are also the innovative, compassionate leaders that can reclaim power and challenge patriarchal power towards ending all forms of oppression. If this sounds too far out of your comfort zone, start by supporting black, working class women who are confronting the systems. There are many! Demand that our policy makers include justice and equity at the core of our policies, not only the environmental ones and that they include the marginalised voices in public participation opportunities. If nothing else, support a local NGO (woman headed) working to support marginalised citizens.
4. Build prosperity. Low income communities are usually hit first and hardest by climate disasters – we have heard this often. Studies also indicate that socioeconomic disparity increases the risks of (the planet) failing to meet climate change goals. It seems obvious that poverty exacerbates climate stresses, but there are ways to build prosperity right now.
5. Support campaigns (vociferously) and policies for affordable living conditions and wages.
6. Pay staff good salaries and contribute towards a retirement annuity.
7. Support local organisations trying to improve access to basic services for low income areas and especially those organisations that are mobilising communities towards resilience through creative actions as collectives. I can recommend many – contact me via email on lorna@90by2030.org.za
8. Hold business accountable. Support business that look at their full life cycle footprint, those that act sustainably and ethically. Demand accountability from all corporations for their contribution to climate change and social and environmental injustices.
9. Take the time to research your products and how they are mined / grown, made and disposed of. Buy products that are good for people and the environment.
10. Choose where you invest your money, invest in companies that support renewable energy and accelerate sustainable change. If you need help, look at Fossil Free South Africa. Divest from Fossil Fuels now!
These are exciting times to be living in, and climate change will offer us the opportunity to create new systems (and –isms) based on indigenous, female principles that strive for an emotional connection and honour the intuitive, knowing that we are all part of one living community.
We don’t need to ‘wage war on terror’ or ‘fight climate change’ but rather reclaim our feminine aspect and foster a compassionate and nurturing community along with a new political imaginary where we support bold, urgent and decisive actions towards an eco-feminist-social perspective.
