The Missing Shade of Green

 

In the discussion "Plenary I Climate Change and our Common Future" from The Public Philosophy Network 2021 Conference,  Andrew Light and David Morrow talked to the audience about the issues of Climate Change and the importance of actively cleaning carbon pollution. Both speakers discussed the major problem of the emission of fossil fuels, but brought up the point of changing the goal of the system entirely. It is very clear that the industry is still trying to hang onto their work, so instead of shutting down the industry completely, we can try to find a common ground with those who are threatened by climate policy. David Morrow spoke of an energy transition that does not harm the society, but puts those in the fossil fuel industry in charge of removing the carbon they put out into the atmosphere. This is a process and cutting down our carbon emissions is something that can not just happen overnight. In addition to this point, Andrew Light mentioned that we must enhance our commitment to the environment and how "Climate action is job creation". We have the opportunity to produce jobs, if we put more emphasis on carbon removal. Although both speakers stay true to their own principles and beliefs, both acknowledged that it is important to gain the ability of engaging in a set of beliefs that we ourselves might not hold. We have to help those who are beginning in a different place than we are. We must appeal to more than one audience and have the willingness to explore other viewpoints and conceptions. 

In Kate Rawles book, The Missing Shade of Green" she discusses the debate between environmental philosophy and direct action. Some argue that philosophy can be not considered activism, but Rawles also mentions that "Thinking is doing. It is in some sense, an activity"(644). Philosophy can guide us to take action and help us find a solution, but will it necessarily change our moral values and beliefs? There seems to be a few essential parts missing from philosophy for it to be considered activism. Both views have critics, but in her own view you can not really have one without the other. Rawles states, "Some sort of dynamic equilibrium between philosophical thought and practical issues seems to be called for"(651). We can not just base our views from facts. Of course, facts are important as they broaden our knowledge and raise awareness. However, it is important that we have a basic understanding before any sort of action is taken. In my opinion, I would say that Rawles would see this conference as an example of effective activism due to the fact that these speakers mentioned that it is crucial to have a proper understanding of the many different viewpoints of climate change/action. Rawles writes, "philosophy is both crucial and a component of activism and that thinking and acting are both essential components of long-and-short-term constructive change"(653). Additionally, it is important to note that philosophy and activism should not be limited by academic institutions and the general academic flow. We have to think of solutions to these environmental problems by thinking out of the box and considering all views. There must be a combination of fact, philosophy and activism.