climate

The Climate and the Commons (from Sharing for Survival)

This paper by social anthropologist and activist Justin Kenrick aims to highlight the continued existence of the commons, a viable alternative to the socio-economic system which is driving climate change. It draws on existing experiences and challenges in the Kenyan highlands and Scottish islands and on the work of Elinor Olstrom to help identify ways of supporting and restoring the commons at the local, national and global levels.

Texas judge rules atmosphere, air to be protected like water, may aid climate change lawsuits

The ruling described in this Washington Post article is based on the idea that the climate is a natural commons which needs to be protected for public use – an approach that ties in with the arguments made in Feasta’s book Sharing for Survival. The lawsuit which brought about this ruling was part of a campaign by the Oregon-based non-profit Our Children’s Trust. It’s carrying out similar lawsuits in a number of other US states. Perhaps a similar approach could be effective in other countries? …

Climate Change and Peak Oil: two sides of the same coin?

This talk given by David Knight on July 4th describes three possible future scenarios: runaway climate change; collapse triggered by peak oil; and "green future". He takes into account recent claims that peak oil can be postponed by the adoption of unconventional methods of oil production, and he concludes by presenting a wish list of actions by governments and citizens.

Preface to Sharing for Survival

Brian Davey's preface to our new book Sharing for Survival: Restoring the Climate, the Commons and Society describes climate change as a 'wicked problem', with no single, clear solution. The book therefore presents a patchwork-quilt-style diversity of responses to climate mitigation. Although the authors may differ in the specifics of what they suggest, they are united by their concern for effectiveness and equity.

Emergency action plan for New Zealanders (and others)

We've finally come to the end of our regular uploads from Fleeing Vesuvius. You can now read the entire book online and we will continue to respond to comments on the articles. Our final installment, from the New Zealand edition, is a practical list of tasks that need to be accomplished in order to adequately deal with the coming transition to a low-energy economy.