The climate crisis is not some unfortunate accident but a reality that has been at the very least accelerated and measurably worsened by a set of habits and assumptions that have poisoned us as a human race.
There is nothing quite like a short collection of essays to make you think. Essayists like Orwell and Woolf knew the impact the essay for could have, and their essays still inspire students, academics, journalists, and politicians today.
This collection of essays is the next in that long line of revolutionary thought.
The words that have stuck to my memory are those of Rowan Williams in the Afterword: “The climate crisis is not some unfortunate accident but a reality that has been at the very least accelerated and measurably worsened by a set of habits and assumptions that have poisoned us as a human race.” This is something we need to fight, and Extinction Rebellion is only the beginning.
I was surprised by the amount of thought that has gone into this rebellion. Several essays covered the topic of peaceful revolution. The in-depth analysis of past failures and past accomplishments has led to a movement that is rooted in rational, logical protest. They know what they are doing, and they know that it can work.
The obvious impact of human interference that has created (and worsened) this climate emergency is real. It isn’t something you believe in or not – if you have any doubt it is because you have not educated yourself on the facts. This chaos is something humans created, but there is a hope that we can save our planet and as much life on it as possible.
Some essays in this collection may depress you, but others will bring hope. Some essays might anger you, and so the facts should, but the insistence on peaceful protest and revolution is an inspiring message, and one that will create the most change for good.
You don’t have to stand on the streets or get arrested to make a difference. You know what you are good at. Use that! Journalists and novelists and all other writers can use their words to spread the message and inspire change. Students and academics can study and discover ways that we might not only survive the climate emergency but live peacefully and will a high quality of life. Everyone has a purpose, so find yours.
