A fixation on system change alone opens the door to a kind of cynical self-absolution that divorces personal commitment from political belief. This is its own kind of false consciousness, one that threatens to create a cheapened climate politics incommensurate with this urgent moment.

[…]

Because here’s the thing: When you choose to eat less meat or take the bus instead of driving or have fewer children, you are making a statement that your actions matter, that it’s not too late to avert climate catastrophe, that you have power. To take a measure of personal responsibility for climate change doesn’t have to distract from your political activism—if anything, it amplifies it.

  • UsernameHere@lemmy.world
    71·
    8 hours ago

    Why wouldn’t Chevron be responsible for the emissions for the fuel they provide? The fossil fuel industry has entrenched themselves and made it as difficult as possible to not use their products. Even to go so far as to influence how our cities are built.

    I’d love to not use any fossil fuels but I can’t afford solar panels or a heat pump so I have to either burn gas or my family freezes to death. I have to get my electricity from coal because my family can’t survive without electricity.

    I don’t have a choice because of the choices made by the fossil fuel industry.

    • WldFyre
      22·
      5 hours ago

      “70% of fossil fuel emissions come from corporations”

      “That number attributes your personal emissions to corporations, you should also try to lower your personal impact.”

      “Why would I lower my personal impact, the corporations are responsible for 70% of all emissions!”

      Lol come on now, at least engage with the fucking argument and facts smh

      • UsernameHere@lemmy.world
        1·
        4 hours ago

        So you’re saying you’re plan is for individuals to choose the choice that is not an option?

        You’re saying the solution is for everyone to stop using electricity?

        Stop driving to work and earning money is the solution?

        Buy solar panels without a house to put them on?

        This is why the individual carbon foot print doesn’t matter. Because it is a systemic problem. So the large majority of people don’t have the luxury of being able to reduce their carbon footprint. And it is such a small percentage to begin with.

        This is why BP is paying a marketing firm to convince the public to focus on their individual carbon footprint.

        We need systemic change not paper straws.