As the latest excerpt from his 25-year-long repertoire of climate journalism, McKibben’s focus on global climate change is not new. Scientists, of the natural and the political leaning, have been debating the details of this worldwide eco-drama for decades. Is it caused by humans? Are fossil fuels to blame? Are we all screwed?
The fear-mongering media, fueled by profits that are deeply invested in an exploitative economy, has blurred the lines between fact and fiction. Politicians are bought, legislation benefits corporations, and money is more important than social and ecological value. But despite these daunting factors, hope is not lost. As conscious and capable beings, we must actualize our potential, and seek a better way. When confronted with Truth, we can only act in discordance with that Truth for so long until it begins to curdle us inside.
“Oil and Honey” is more than just a story that intertwines the sociology of bee colonies to the structure of society. It’s more than a full-disclosure tell-all about the ups and downs and ins and outs of organizing a cooperative, inclusive, and committed climate movement. Perhaps most inspiring, it is the story of a human asserting leadership in the face of doubt and diving head-first into a cause that he wasn’t so sure he was cut out for.
In sum, this novel is long-form prescription of how one man embraces Truth, dispels Fear, and stirs himself to Act. But ultimately, another main takeaway from the book is that a leader is only as strong as the multitudes of his supporters. McKibben seeks out like-minded organizations and surrounds himself with enthusiastic individuals who spread a rippling pulse of activism around the globe."
Read more and purchase the book at http://www.billmckibben.com/oilandhoney.html If you’d like to be a part of 350Philly, come to their first Organizing Meeting on 2pm Sunday, October 13th at 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1650. They'll review the 350.org mission, introduce the newly-formed Philadelphia Steering Committee, and organize into 5 different groups focused on Event Planning, Divestment Strategies, Coalition Building, Grassroots Organizing, and Media Outreach.
Questions? Email Jen at 350philadelphia@gmail.com
