Environmentalist Michael Schellenberger argues that Greens need to stop preaching doom. He says they need an “I Have a Dream” speech, instead of “I Have a Nightmare.” In a live broadcast from San Francisco, home of Earth Day, Neal Conan and guests discuss the future of environmentalism.
I want to comment that this is what Appalachian Voices preaches and practices. We strive to point out the realities and human effects of the environmental tragedies in Appalachia, rather than scaring the pants off everyone.
In a way, its sad, because we don’t have to exaggerate. If you have seen a mountaintop removal site, thats all it takes. If you look at the number of people who die from coal-caused air pollution in Appalachia, thats all it takes. If we can point out that those in power want to sell our treasured wild places and national forest-land, thats all it takes.
We have a dream. You are a part of it. We live in the most beautiful place in the world, and grassroots work among people of the mountains is one of the most important and empowering things I could ever imagine doing. We want folks of all political, social, and religious backgrounds to be able to join hands and help protect and celebrate the mountains and culture that we love. Thats all.
JW RandolphRaised on the banks of the Tennessee River, JW's work to create progress in his home state and throughout Appalachia has been featured on the Rachel Maddow Show, The Daily Kos and Grist. He served first as Appalachian Voices’ Legislative Associate and then Tennessee director until leaving to pursue a career in medicine in 2012.
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