Over at the NY Times' Dot Earth, Andrew Revkin has started a conversation with readers on the merits of framing as applied to climate change communication. Revkin takes as a point of departure the Seed magazine roundtable on the issue published a few weeks back. Revkin adds to the mix another voice on the matter, scientist-turned-filmmaker Randy Olson. In his remarks excerpted by Revkin, Olson correctly points out that it's not just the frame but also the source--or the spokesperson--that matters.
The full range of comments from readers is well worth reading. I weighed in with my own response, elaborating on points of agreement with Olson.
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How is the family of humanity to sensibly organize to respond ably to the human folly, avarice and stupidity that is now being consciously perpetrated by those few million greedy people who possess a lionâs share of the worldâs wealth and the power it purchases? After all, a tiny minority is primarily responsible for the Earth being ravaged and threatened as a fit place for habitation by our children.
When are the morally bankrupt, super-rich Masters of the Universe among us to be held to account for having disgracefully institutionalized the âgoodnessâ of their pathological arrogance, conspicuous consumption and excessive hoarding for the benefit of none others than themselves and minions? For many too many economic powerbrokers and their bought-and-paid-for politicians
short-term financial gains, power accrual, economic expediency and political convenience have directed their thought and behavior.
Perhaps it is time for many ordinary people not only to deploy these words from Mohandas Gandhi, âBe the change you wish to see in the worldâ, but also to live out this great manâs example of principled, peaceful, refusal to submit to arrogant, dishonest, avaricious and dishonorable authority that is relentlessly degrading Earthâs frangible environment and recklessly dissipating Earthâs limited resources in our time.
Perhaps honesty, more transparency, constructive personal action, accountability and necessary social change are in the offing.
Scientists have a duty to warn and to inform; leaders of the family of humanity have a responsibility to act with moral courage and a willingness to do the right thing. At least some scientists appear to be doing their duty. Except for a precious few, great human beings like President Barack Obama, the human community appears to be virtually bereft of adequate leaders.
Wait, global warming is caused by He-Man?