COP21 Fossil Fuel Addiction
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- Published on Monday, 30 November 2015 22:15
- Written by editor
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin .... No. 1192 .... December 1, 2015
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COP21 Fossil Fuel Addiction:
A guide for intervention from the climate justice movement
Brad Hornick
Author's note: this article is meant to be both deadly serious and parody. It attempts humour and commits unforgiveable psychological reductionism of political issues. It is hoped the reader will discern the message behind the form of delivery.
Fossil Fuel Addiction is killing the planet. The Climate Justice Movement must ready for an intervention before this addiction kills us all. The following is a practical guide to recognize addictive behaviour as well as how to effectively intervene to assist in the Addict's recovery. In the middle of global climate marches and actions worldwide, climate justice activists would do well to study these tips for an informed intervention.
The earth's... ecosystems metabolize everything human society produces and consumes. Its delicate ecological subsystems have been bombarded by toxic by-products of our industrial systems. Under normal conditions, it may be easy to believe that within moderate amounts, toxic substances can be metabolized to no effect on the planet as a whole.
But there is a pervasive tendency amongst the world's Fossil Fuel Addicts to underestimate the amount consumed as well as the devastation wrought on systems in their entirety. Units of pollution add-up and like any addictive behaviour, it is easy to forget or hide how much has been consumed, especially true within the licentious atmosphere of extreme and unconventional energy exploitation.
The viability of whole ecosystems is at stake. Atmospheric, oceanic and earth systems globally are becoming corrupted at the systemic level. Arctic jet streams are languishing and becoming lazy. Global thermo-haline ocean currents are slowing down. Climate change is contributing to significantly alter nitrogen cycling processes, in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
The Fossil Fuel Addict will inevitably engage in self-denial about over-consumption, citing lower amounts than is really the case. But when the earth exhibits tipping point tendencies that threaten to "fire the clathrate gun," dangerous defensive postures on the part of the Addict must be called-out. This is the time to recognize that the Addict has hit rock bottom, that there is an imminent crash, driven by multiple sets of amplified positive feedbacks producing abrupt and runaway climate changes.
