November 20, 2015 - 17:11
Elena Luedy
Professor Cohen
E-Sem
11/13/15
The ideas of environment in Oreskes & Conway’s book The Collapse of Western Civilization are very different than those of Kolbert’s book, The Sixth Extinction. These both are again different from Kolbert’s interview with Van Jones. The messages are different, yet the moral is the same. This begs the question, how would the four authors interact with each other?
Imagine a dinner party, with Kolbert, Van Jones, Oreskes, and Conway. Oreskes and Conway you see first, they are sitting around a table with a white table cloth. Oreskes in a black dress, Conway in a suit and tie. Together they look like they could be in a black and white film, they are so monochromatic. As you get nearer you hear their conversation.
“None of that will matter, we’ll all be dead”.
“Yes, but our descendants won’t be, it’s important we pass on a positive culture to them”
This conversation intrigues you. Just as you are about to approach the couple, another person steps in first.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about climate change. Mind if I join you?”
“No, not at all.” Replies Conway. “What are your thoughts on the matter?”
“I have to admit, the way we are headed, the situation is dire. It’s time we get the whole country involved. Just a few activists won’t do anything. You know, I was just talking to someone, ah here he is! Jones, come over here!”
You turn as a tall man with a glowing smile glides into the room. He is wearing a bright green bow tie with a black button down shirt. You notice that he has the charm of a young man yet speaks with the wisdom of a man much older. This contrast puzzles you, and you aren’t quite sure how to place him.
Oreskes and Conway eye this man suspiciously. Surely nobody truly invested in climate change could be this energetic?
“This is Van Jones, you might have heard about his work with environment, he founded Green for All and is very distinguished in the environmental field.” Explains Kolbert.
“Ah Elizabeth, you paint me in such a glorified light. How do you do?” Jones says, shaking Oreskes and Conway’s hands. “So what about the environment?”
“I was saying that, yes although the current situation is dire, people have started to make changes to their environment, and it is helping.” Begins Kolbert. “What we need is more people to get involved in the process. Now I personally believe that the best way to reach the audience is to try to show them what right now, is going on, and then they can figure out their own ways of dealing with the issues. Orsekes you’re shaking your head, you disagree?”
“Your methods are sound Kolbert, yet I don’t think you’ve fully comprehended that this is the public we are talking about. Sure you’ll show them a picture of a baby polar bear and tell them that they are going to all die, but besides sad, what will they do? You have to scare them into what you are saying-”
Jones takes Orsekes’ pause in speech and interjects. “No no no, I disagree. Fear as never gotten anything done effectively. They’ll tip toe around the issue until it’s too late. No, instead what you must do is speak to them on their own level. Tell those who are looking for jobs that the green energy industry creates millions of jobs every day. Tell economists how being ‘green’ is better for the economy. Show the CEOs of corporations that by investing in sustainability they will increase profits by x%.”
“But is that true? Is all of this possible?”
“Anything is possible if you spin it the right way” Jones says with a wink.
***
As you are leaving the party, you see Orsekes and Conway talking as they put their coats to go home. You listen in to hear what they have to say.
“You know, he has a point. In order to appeal to everyone, one has to shift what they’re saying to whomever is listening. Sometimes, yes fear is the best way to get to someone. Other times, perhaps a different approach is better.” Conway says, buttoning his coat.
“I guess…” Oreskes pauses. “All I know for sure is that we need as many people to listen as possible”