Changing your behaviour matters. Transforming the system matters more.
Our culture tells us that personal responsibility is central to tackling the climate emergency, yet the choices we make are often governed by the systems in which we live. Whether it's activists facing criticism for eating meat or climate scientists catching flack for flying, accusations of hypocrisy are rampant. And they come from both inside and outside the movement.
Taking a tongue-in-cheek approach, self-confessed eco-hypocrite Sami Grover says we should do what we can in our own lives to minimize our climate impacts, but then we need to target those actions so they create systemic change. Along the way, he skewers those pointing fingers, celebrates those who are trying, and offers practical pathways to start making a difference. We're All Climate Hypocrites Now covers:
- How environmentalism lost its groove
- Why big polluters want to talk about your carbon footprint
- The psychology of shaming
- How businesses can find their activist voice
- The true power of individuals to spark widespread change.
By understanding where our greatest leverage lies, we can prioritize our actions, maximize our impact, and join forces with the millions of other imperfect individuals who are ready to do their part and actually change the system.
Sami Grover is an environmental writer, brand development manager for The Redwoods Group and a self-confessed eco-hypocrite. He's written about everything from composting to e-bikes. Active in the sphere of good-for-the-world business, he has developed branding projects for clients including Burt's Bees, Dogwood Alliance, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Sami lives in Durham, NC. He has three compost bins, and also still occasionally eats steak.