#transformative change

[protoslacker]

Until we nobodies, nurses, mechanics, teachers, firefighters, restaurant workers and others, who take genuine satisfaction in work that serves others, more clearly articulate and defend our own humane and ethical values, we will continue to lack the moral leverage needed to restrain greed elsewhere. Our values have been forged in lives of care, responsibility and service and they can and should pack a punch.

Daniel Gauss in 3 Quarks Daily. If the Poor Die, the Rich Die Too: A Review of “The Insider” by Teater Katapult in Hong Kong

[protoslacker]

But the Miccosukee fight isn’t some simple battle that completely shifts direction day to day. They’ve drawn a circle around what matters to them, and they work at the world they want to live in across decades, across generations. It’s a greater cause and a bigger fight than any one tribe member or any single outside leader threatening their way of life. It’s a fight they’ve been in for a very long time. That battle was forced on them. But at the same time, it’s critical to understand your personal beliefs and to think about what matters most deeply to you. Use that as a guiding star to navigate your actions. You don’t have to be reactive and switch gears with every new crisis. It’s possible to instead picture what part of existing culture or community you want to preserve, or look to what future traditions and protections you want to build. Your involvements can follow from that.

Andrea Pitzer at Degenerate Art. When Trump is gone

The challenge is bigger than the moment-to-moment crises.

I recommend watching Adreaa Pritzer's episode of her podcast Next Comes What on Youtube One Day Trump Will Be Gone which is based on this post.

Yesterday with the news of the school shooting I went to Bluesky. One advantage of sites like Twitter is it is often not difficult to identify experts to hear their takes. Rather quickly I was able to find a small group of experts. One of the first comments I read was, "I cried today." So simple, but the comment calmed me. I am very grateful to scholars and journalists who look closely at terrible things to help all of us understand and perhaps tame those horrors. This scholar's tears told me that the first step towards understanding to hold on to ones humanity.

[protoslacker]

How Priscilla, Queen of the Desert changed the world | Between A Frock & A Hard Place

We Are Pride

Terence Stamp Dies: ‘Superman’ & ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ Star Was 87

I have never seen Priscilla Queen of the Desert, but I was very moved that on my social media feeds straight allies were pointing to Terrance Stamp's role in the movie. Allies are the ones who show up and not always the ones you suspect to show up.

Stamp narrates this documentary and provides first-person accounts of the role. It's a wonderful documentary about a struggle for freedom.

[theblindmachine]

Uma milha de cada vez

Desde 1990, voamos para promover o Desenvolvimento Humano Integral com a visão de construirmos uma sociedade onde cada pessoa possa viver c

"**Empowering Humanity: A Journey Towards Dignity and Justice** Since 1990, we have been on a mission that transcends mere existence; we are here to champion Integral Human Development. With a fiery spirit and unwavering commitment, we envision a society where every individual can thrive in dignity and justice. This isn’t just a statement; it’s a calling that drives us to take action and create profound, lasting change. In a world riddled with inequality and injustice, the need for transformation has never been more urgent. We refuse to accept a status quo that sidelines countless individuals, leaving them to navigate life without the basic rights they deserve. The fight for dignity is not a battle for a select few; it is a universal human right that should resonate in every corner of our society. We champion platforms that allow voices to be heard, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. Our approach is holistic—we recognize that true development goes beyond economic growth and taps into the very essence of what it means to be human. Education, health, security, and freedom are threads in the tapestry of a prosperous life, and we strive to weave them together for all. Imagine a world where every person, regardless of their background, is empowered to pursue their dreams. Picture communities thriving through collaboration, where justice is not an elusive concept but a tangible reality. This isn't just idealism; it's a roadmap to a brighter future that is entirely within our reach if we all commit to this collective endeavor. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but every step toward Integral Human Development is a step closer to our shared vision. We must not shy away from the hard conversations or the vital actions that will yield real transformation. Together, we can break the chains of injustice and rewrite the narrative of our society. Let us champion this cause with bold dedication. The time is now to soar into a future where dignity and justice are the norms, not exceptions. Join us in our journey, and together, let’s build a society where every individual can thrive, uplifted by the principles of justice and dignity—because every person deserves it."

[theblindmachine]

"# The Energy Transition is a Misnomer: Welcome to the Energy Revolution When we talk about the future of energy, the phrase "energy transition" often dominates the conversation. It conjures images of a gradual shift – a friendly, almost polite handover from fossil fuels to renewable sources. But according to Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, this term is not only misleading; it underestimates the powerful upheaval we are living through. What we’re really witnessing is an energy revolution. Recorded live at the State of the Union 2023 conference in Florence, Thompson laid out her vision with clarity and conviction. The stakes are unimaginably high. As Europe and the world grapple with climate crises, energy security, and geopolitical tensions, the so-called transition is proving to be more of a revolution in how we generate, consume, and think about energy. Thompson argues that we must abandon the notion of a smooth, easy transition. Instead, we need to embrace the idea that we are in the midst of a radical transformation that challenges the very foundations of our industrial world. This isn’t just about swapping coal for solar panels or oil for wind turbines; it’s about reimagining our entire way of life and ensuring that our systems—not just our energy sources—are sustainable. This revolution is fueled by technological advancement, political will, and, perhaps most importantly, a shift in public consciousness. Citizens across Europe are demanding accountability and action, underscoring that this is not merely a top-down initiative led by governments and corporations but a grassroots movement that seeks to redefine our relationship with energy. But what does this mean for the average person? It means adaptation, yes, but it also means an unprecedented opportunity. Energy revolution presents us with the chance to create more decentralized, resilient energy systems that empower communities, reduce inequalities, and enhance our collective responsibility toward the planet. It's about innovation, cooperation, and perhaps a little disruption along the way. As we embark on this road of transformation, we must remain vigilant against complacency. Advocating for genuine progress means pushing back against fossil fuel reliance and demanding that our leaders invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices. Change may be uncomfortable, but as Thompson highlights, it is not only necessary—it is inevitable. So let’s call it what it is: an energy revolution. Let’s step boldly into a future that embraces these challenges head-on. Because while transitions might soften the blow, revolutions promise a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. And that is something worth fighting for. Join the discussion and share your thoughts! How do you envision this energy revolution unfolding? #energy #energytransition #renewables #SOU2023."

[cognitivejustice]

Where the wild things are: the untapped potential of our gardens, parks and balconies

The long read: Gardens could be part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis. But what are we doing? Disappearing them beneat

Gardens are human-made habitats, but they mimic the woodland edge, so they also hold on to water, slow down wind, create shade and provide food and homes for wildlife. In cities they can absorb pollution and help reduce urban temperatures. Crucially, they also link together to form vast corridors that connect other ecosystems (the woodlands, peatlands and other terrestrial systems mentioned above), enabling species to move between them, potentially giving them space to adapt to climate change. Of course, they also absorb and store carbon – in lawns, in the bark of trees, in the sludge at the bottom of garden ponds, in soil, in leaf litter and compost.

Gardens are, or at least have the potential to be, an enormous but as yet untapped solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis. But what are we doing? Disappearing them beneath plastic and paving. Beneath weed-suppressant membranes and “decorative” purple slate chips. Beneath cars, beneath gravel, beneath entire new homes. Beneath large stones and driftwood to make them look like the beach (my absolute favourite).

Climate change has happened several times in Earth’s 4.6bn-year history, but it happened slowly, over thousands of years, partly because ecosystems were initially able to take the hit. What we’re facing now is the rising of temperatures alongside the chipping away of the very systems that can lessen or even slow its impact. At the exact time we should be halting habitat loss and facilitating landscape recovery (rewilding) for the good of all life on Earth, we are still taking more than we are giving back – it seems we can’t stop ourselves. Temperatures are rising and the clock is ticking.

What if the solution to these problems lies, in part, in our gardens and other green spaces? Not that gardening can stop climate change, but what if gardens could connect us with the natural world, make us more aware of the destruction all around us? What if we rise up, garden by garden, park by park, balcony by balcony and do something – anything – to help a bee or a butterfly or a bird or a hedgehog? What would our world look like if more of us were tuned into the life systems that support us? Would we stop our pesticide-laden dog from jumping into the river? Would we switch from eating factory-farmed meat, with its many layers of pollution and trauma, to something kinder and more sustainable? Could we all collectively tread that little bit lighter, for the good of all things, while still pushing for the radical change that’s needed at the top? Would more of us push for that change? I think we would.

[protoslacker]

Language is one way we make and sustain relation. Words are one way we begin the work of unmaking and changing the shape of the world.

Christina Sharpe in The Yale Review. The Shapes of Grief Witnessing the unbearable