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“With climate action, climate justice, and sustainability, there is a somewhat subtle reductionism that is at work here. We are trying to frame the unframeable.
We're dealing with something that is, in my calculations, fundamentally incalculable. It is unframeable.
It is something that calls for a shapeshift—not for a resolution or solutions, or technological or techno-bureaucratic deletions, or funding.
It is an invitation to stop in our tracks and feel—like failure is the gift that we are looking for right now.” –Bayo Akomolafe via Green Dreamer EP317.
Observing all that has been happening at and around COP26, I am bursting with conflicting emotions.
I, at once, feel that I have so much to say, and at the same time, I feel incoherent. I, at once, feel that I have so many learnings I wish to pour out in one giant word vomit, and at the same time, I feel that I do not know anything anymore.
But I am finding solace and affirmations in “post-activism” as conceptualized by Dr. Bayo Akomolafe—whose work has helped me to feel like I have a home in the in-between, in being a metaphorical fugitive.
So I am focusing today's post on the wisdoms he's shared with me. And I'm dedicating this to those, who, like me, may feel lost, who are tired, who know intuitively that our current “solutions” are not it and yet still do not have the answers—those who dwell in a space of inquiry more than defined absolutes.
Notice the forms, not what's being said
At the most superficial level, I took Bayo's message to notice our crisis in form to examine how COP26 itself has been taking shape. As I first shared to Instagram:
“For anyone attending COP26 and similar events or who are observing, I encourage not focusing on what's being said (talk is cheap), but notice especially the *form*.
In this case, the exclusivity, elitism, hierarchy, access (blue zone, green zone, whatever zones), social ladder climbing, branded everything, shiny displays and objects, overpriced food, overworked personnel…
All of this speaks louder than any of what's actually being said.”
Gearing up for the event, the climate summit's policing bill was estimated to be £250 million—noted as the largest mobilization of police officers in the UK.
It's almost as if the political leaders knew that there would be increasing numbers of protests against their evident failures. Rather than listening to and engaging with the responses, they have chosen, instead, to increase the policing budget in order to suppress potential uprisings and to keep people in line.
There will be many news reports written about what's promised, what's discussed, what new targets have been set. Maybe the commitments will seem bold and ambitious. Maybe they will be celebrated.
But we cannot forget that most of the past agreements have been both subpar to begin with, then unmet. We don't have time for the abusive relationship of lies, manipulation, and false promises to continue. We don't have time—yet we must slow down.
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