Long time lurker, since 2010. I finally decided to create an account and post. But don't forget that I've been following along and reading for 9 years, so I feel like I know y'all pretty good.
Every spring/summer there is a rash of new people that stumble onto this forum and want to change the world, or at least talk about the possibility. And some of them continue to post here. It's always a rush to see what happens when new meets old.
I've been thinking about what Rich is saying, and I think I hear him, but please chime in. As an activist, he wants to ensure that the average new lurker out there is appropriately engaged and finds the strength within themselves to stand up and do something, speak out, get involved, or at least vote. Rich thinks the forum should enlighten, inform and inspire. And this is the crux of the difference between science and activism. Science observes; activism does. Science says, "Hey, look at all this information!!!" Activism says, "Hey, this is fucked up. Let's change it!!!"
I don’t want to debate with Rich about the threads with which he’s expressed difficulty. I just want to say that this is a science forum; we observe. But maybe there’s room to inspire, also.
The forum "Policy and solutions" seems very technical and observational to me, reporting on technological solutions that may help us, or what governments are saying at a certain moment. This is important, but not the same as activism.
The forum "Walking the walk" is important for things we can do as individuals. But I'd like you all to read this article I saw yesterday. It's not a new idea; I've been realizing over the years that we (in the US) have been fed a line by our corporate overlords that it's because we're not good enough consumers/recyclers/eaters … this is why there is AGW. I'm not saying we shouldn't do our part individually, but the picture is much larger.
"Climate change is a vast and complicated problem, and that means the answer is complicated too. We need to let go of the idea that it’s all of our individual faults, then take on the collective responsibility of holding the true culprits accountable. In other words, we need to become many Davids against one big, bad Goliath."
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/28/18629833/climate-change-2019-green-new-dealIt's the difference between shame and guilt. We need to stop feeling shame and start feeling guilt, and then do something about it. I think this is what Rich is saying. Activism is about engaging with others to enact change, not only changing our individual habits, not only paying attention to the science (which is important).
I propose that a new Forum is created in "AGW in general" section called "Activism," or at least change "Policy and solutions" or "Walking the walk" to include the word activism. I think it's important to put the word "activism" on the main page so newbies, and all of us, can see it, and have a place for actual events, discussions, etc. Now I know that there will be push back about that idea. But Nevin, please think about it. We need to provide a beacon for scientists and activists alike. I know there’s tons of other places for activist information, but there’s only one ASIF. People come here.