Peter KalmusNov 6, 2022

No viable path left to 1.5C.

From today’s White House briefing: “Under President Biden, oil and natural gas production has increased, and we are on track to hit the highest production in our country’s history next year.”

Utterly tragic for the Earth and our future. Words fail.

Show threadBerkNov 6, 2022
@ClimateHuman who the hell is advising the President? Do they understand why the 1.5°C limit is important?
Show threadbettertownsNov 6, 2022

@stuvx @ClimateHuman I think the tricky problem is that if Dems lose the political power, they can't do anything (actually it will go the other way under Rep control). And inflation is currently one of the most important thing in voters' mind.

I don't think Biden admin is stupid. They just can't do much regarding gas prices at the current situation with the election right in front of them.

Show threadBerkNov 6, 2022

@bettertowns could they provide income support? Could they nationalise gas companies? Could they increase financial incentives for EVs and electric bikes? Could they invest in public transport and renewables? Could they do like Canada’s carbon tax and give rebates for individuals?

Inflation is being driven in large part by crop failures around the world, and corporate profiteering - increasing gas supply isn’t going to help.

Show threadbettertownsNov 6, 2022
@stuvx I totally hear you! Most dems politicians want to do many of the items in the list. The issue is that making anything happen requires a lot of political capital. If dems says "we'll nationalize gas companies" then most media will cover 24/7 how crazy dems are and then they will lose all political power and gas companies will thrive even more. The politicians can usually move only slightly ahead of the crowd.
Show threadbettertowns
@stuvx It's a delicate game of trying to make many things happen while trying not to lose the power to make things happen.
Nov 6, 2022 at 5:38pmWeb
Show threadbettertownsNov 6, 2022
@stuvx I think this is why grassroot organizations, local elections, and organized local movements are so important. If we can't build the majority bottom-up, it is simply not possible for anyone staying in the power while doing strong climate actions.
Show threadRose HedgesNov 6, 2022

@bettertowns @stuvx absolutely
Politicians and the media respond to norms and especially anyone seen as a middle of the road. Really critical we don't lose what traction there is of taking (some) climate action / awareness as standard*

*in the UK now, most people would state that they try and do some things for the climate. Now often that is poor or little linked, such as recycling, but it is the desire that matters.

Show threadBree SmeeNov 7, 2022
@rosehedges @bettertowns @stuvx
I desire a liveable planet. Will I get one?
Show threadbettertownsNov 7, 2022
@bree @rosehedges @stuvx it will depend on how many minds we can change in the near future. :)