As far as an overall response to this chapter, I could almost copy and paste my words from my chapter 1 response. Still feeling pretty overwhelmed, helpless, and depressed. Especially since this happened today.
A moment that had particular impact on me from chapter 2 was when he talked about environmentalists working to raise the prices of fossil fuels. So, it would effect people like me by making gas more expensive. And when I really think about it, it would take a lot for me to drive my car less. I depend on it so heavily. The thought of expensive gas makes me upset. And, that's how we're all a part of the problem I suppose. It's easy for me to objectively say "Yes that's great, let's raise gas prices so people drive less." But I quickly become a hypocrite: "Oh, I meant those faraway people, not me or my circle of friends."
One sentence in particular stood out: "Smart people are starting to understand the size of the problem, but they haven't yet figured out the timing; they haven't yet figured out that the latest science shows that this wave is already breaking over our heads." He's continuing his grand-children point, and it's very effective. How long will people say it's not their problem? How long do we put off dealing with the inevitable? Unfortunately, our current government is making all of this much more potent and bleak.
I've honestly already used the words "life-changing" to describe this book to a friend. And I give it that title if for nothing else it's unabashed devotion to waking us all up to what is right in front of us.
Those tweets really hit home much like McKibben does with Eaarth. I too feel the book opens the eyes of any reader. Also, just the fact that any human being can deny that global warming was created as a scare tactic is shocking to me with all of the research being put into it(@Trump). I too have recommended the book to my friends and feel everyone should read it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that it is overwhelming to read this chapter. When I saw the tweets I was kind of excited that they became such a big deal to people. I think that it is a great way to grab people's attention and get the point across similar to the way McKibben does in his book.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see that students like the book! It's upsetting and depressing, but everyone needs to know what is really happening. And I also think everyone needs to know how our administration is currently ignoring this mega problem. Thanks for the links, Audrey.
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