Power of the People, to the People, by the People, for the Planet... and the People

Having spent the previous weekend in NYC marching in what is being called the largest protest ever assembled focusing on climate change, I feel as though I got a first hand look at the wide spectrum of groups represented in this march. What struck me was how mainstream and diverse the participants seemed to be. From the young to the elderly, different ethnicities and nationalities, business people to world and local politicians, mainstream media to guerrilla media, and those that would be considered more “traditional” environmentalist, the movement has moved way beyond the fringes.  Of course this was by accident, and it most certainly didn’t happen overnight. The movement has taken literally decades to gain the strength, numbers, and momentum to reach this point. It has also taken a conflation of particular set of historical circumstances to make it possible action of this scale to take place.

In order for any issue, environmental or otherwise, to gain traction it must be properly framed in a way that is easy to understand to the general public, and creates a clear choice before its audience. I think the most famous, and quite possibly the most effective; of this issue framing wars comes from the abortion issue; “Pro-Life” or “Pro-Choice”. The criteria for an issue frame: short, succinct, a clear decision that must be made, and far reaching consequences for that decision. One of the most important parts of the climate march is this new, larger umbrella that many different issues can pull together, “climate change”. What this umbrella essentially did was allowed numerous issues associated with climate change to be seen as a part of this much larger conversation. For example, during the march I saw people focused on solar or wind energy as a solution to the climate change issues, there were also those focused on indigenous rights and deforestation of the Amazonian rainforest issue, they were alongside groups that wanted to ban fracking within the United States. The issues were as diverse as those that represented them.  I think that it was symbolic of the complexity, scope, and scale of the issue of climate change itself.  In some ways this mirrors the civil rights movement of the 1960’s that encompassed desegregation, voting rights, worker exploitation, black power, and judicial discrimination issues. It allowed for a much movement to combine in solidarity around the idea of civil rights.

In 2014 it is far easier to get involved in movements and become an activist than at any other point in history. The idea of individuals potential to affect change and the power endeared to them in the 21st century is a common theme cutting across all of the readings from this week.  The cause of this? Information. Individuals have the ability to collect, synthesize, and disseminate massive amounts of information in near real time.  No longer is it necessary to rely on the mainstream media to pick up a story. Individuals are now the driving force behind shaping what “is” news.  They have the potential to reach broad audiences at very low, almost insignificant costs.

Looking over a number of activists’ groups websites, including Surfrider Foundation, 350.org, and Fossil Free AU, a few trends appear almost immediately. One is the power of the images. Whether it is in the form of still images, video, maps, or graphic design, these sites are trying to get a message across to its viewers in the shortest and most powerful manner possible. No longer is it necessary for the organizations to include a mission page (although they always will), because if a page is designed well, a visitor will have very good idea of what the organization stands for within moments of visiting a page. Once the message or issues is established, there is always a highly visible page or link directing one toward information on how to get involved. Whether it is to donate, volunteer, attend meetings, or possible employment opportunities, these organizations are looking for active participation not just passive spectators. Finally, I would say that the third most common characteristic is the “guts” of the organization. What I mean by “guts” is the reports, news articles, scientific data, the real hard evidence and information that used as currency in its information war.

This information war is being waged on numerous fronts and in many different formats. For example, 350.org was one of the principle organizers for the climate march. They are using the force of spectacle and mass demonstration to draw attention to an issue. The Surfrider foundation just recently fought and won a court case in California regarding coastal access. Working within the legal system and the CA coastal commission, SrF fought to ensure that actions taken by a wealthy individual to block coastline access, which were in direct conflict with state and local law, did not go unchallenged.  Fossil Free AU is looking to build on the momentum of the climate march and force the AU board of directors to divest from fossil fuels investments. They are organizing meetings and strategizing ways to put pressure on the board.  Many organizations create policy recommendations and take stances on particular issues, then advertising those policy positions to garner support from an informed populous.  Almost all larger organizations recognize the importance of representation in democracies and fund, support, organizer for politicians they see as having their interests at heart. Many write actual legislation with the hopes of finding a powerful spokesperson to take up issue from within the system.  On the most basic, but highly important level, these organizations go to great lengths to try to reconnect people to nature. By providing outdoor vacation itineraries, clean ups in nature, and things like social hikes/paddle/swims they strive to build a deep appreciation for nature, and in so doing, a willingness to protect what they then come to love.

One of the major problems with the environmental movement is the scope and scale of the problems that face the movement. There are so many pressing issues and there are only so many available resources to fight for their conservation. I like Erik Assadourian’s view that the movement needs to become almost religious in its approach. I look forward to hearing about his views on this in class.