Organic Transitions

For associated articles and far more information, please check out OCA’s Atmosphere and Climate Resource Center web page, Organic Transitions page and our Genetic Engineering Web page.

As a longtime writer and activist campaigning for decades on food and farming concerns, most lately Prop 37, the California Ballot Initiative to label genetically engineered foods, I am reminded daily of the allure, indeed the addictive pleasure, of single-situation organizing. Despite the continuous aggravation of being the underdog in a David versus Goliath battle, it really is excellent to have an avocation, not to mention a paying job, fighting Monsanto and its minions.

It really is immensely gratifying to thoroughly realize, backward and forward, an situation like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or organic agriculture

It is stimulating to read and share dozens of articles and emails each day in my region of experience, to keep in touch with other foodies working in the “get nearby,” “get organic” movement across the continent. It really is ego boosting to see my name, or my organization’s name in print, and to see thousands of “shares” and “likes” on Facebook.

Let me tell you. There is absolutely nothing greater than hanging out with the activist fish in our small pond. Nothing at all far more satisfying than fighting the good fight, even if the poor guys usually appear to win.

Or is there?

For associated articles and far more data, please go to OCA’s Atmosphere and Climate Resource Center page and our Organic Transitions page.

More than the last two years, the consequences of 150 years of fossil-fuel development have materialized with a vengeance. The U.S. has knowledgeable the worst drought in 80 years, replete with unprecedented Western fires and fears of widespread crop failure. This on the heels of record-breaking U.S. spring temperatures, with record day-to-day highs outpacing record day-to-day lows at a staggering pace of 12:1 since the start off of the year. This on the heels of record U.S. flooding all through the Mississippi basin last year. These examples reflect only the U.S. encounter, in a globe exactly where record-breaking extreme climate is becoming the norm.

It’s hot. It really is going to get hotter. And regardless of the politics of the moment, extreme climate will at some point drive a national consensus on climate action. What can each and every of us do to insure we get there soon, rather than too late?

There are 3 answers. The 1st is to
build political power. Elect clean-energy champions at the municipal, state, and national levels who can pass policies enabling a clean-power revolution. The second is to
stop expansion of the global carbon infrastructure. This will cut pollution – some – but will also build the morally grounded movement that should ultimately drive a powerful clean-power politics. Answer three?
Grow the green shoots of the emerging sustainable economy.

Job #1: Politics

Nationally, global warming is barely obtaining a mention in the 2012 election. There has been some sparring over “clean-energy future” versus “Solyndra waste and fraud.” Romney has tried to beat Obama with a Keystone pipeline stick. But Obama has had tiny incentive to campaign tough on a green economy, while Romney desires to steer clear of his flip-flopping record on climate.

That mentioned, this election matters, and the presidency is critical. Based on the outcome, Clean Air Act regulation of carbon pollution will either unfold in a slow and steady manner, or it will be gutted. Critical Supreme Court appointments will shape the subsequent 20 years of judicial decisions at they relate to action on climate. Lastly, it is possible that, freed from reelection constraints, Obama could create into the sort of visionary leader who could drive legislative gains post-2014, specifically if extreme weather continues to pound the nation.