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US Vice President Kamala Harris, in Seattle, says the clock ‘is banging’ on climate change
(www.seattletimes.com)
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this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2023
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Lol, what can we actually do in this situation? I mean, for real, what can we do? I doubt pressing our representatives will help, and everything one could do on its own (like stop using cars, going vegan, etc) has little to no effect.
We can't stop factories from working, can't force the creation of a decent public transportation system so people can stop relying on cars, and we can't close all coal-based powerplants and replace them with solar/eolic powerplants. All of these could help a lot against climate change, but one would need to rely on the government, or use violent methods; either of them I personally consider unfeasible.
If there is something we can do, we'll absolutely do it, but I don't see much to do aside being a doomer.
People are actually using non-violent methods to prevent pipelines from being built, dockworkers are refusing to transport certain goods, sailboats are blocking ports. It’s just not talked about a lot for some reason. They’re often met with violent resistance and dirty tactics, but if we all were a little more willing to sacrifice like those people do, we’d likely be able to force at least some concessions.
As you said, at your level it would be raising awareness, make efforts to reduce you footprint as much as you feel comfortable doing, you can also get involved in organizations that can work at a local level (lobbying for more bikes and public transportation in your city for instance) or donate to green lobbies.
On a higher level, the most you can do as a person would be to vote for people with sensible ecological and social programs, you can also get in touch with your representatives when possible.
This is a big case of the snowflake not feeling responsible for the avalanche. As an individual you will not make any significant change but if everyone feels the same and organizes and move as one, it does make a difference.
It definitely feels hopeless, and I'm also extremely pessimistic about the future but hopelessness leads to helplessness, and giving up will only destroy every possible positive outcome.