Climate change honors lecture from Osopher
Story by Madeline Portilla/Contributing Writer
The imminent threat of climate change has long been debated, but the MTSU Honors College held a lecture last week that focused on the positive by citing the recent cultural shift brought about by influential individuals voicing action.
Dr. Phil Oliver, a philosophy professor at MTSU and self-proclaimed “environmental ethicist,” presented an optimistic position on the ecological state and future of political leadership.
“There is a tomorrow, but what’s the forecast? Cloudy, gray, much warmer. Foreboding, unless a ‘new front’ moves in very quickly,” Oliver said.
Emphasis on civic engagement and the impact of individual voices was the central theme of an often pessimistic discussion. He mentioned the importance of voting for candidates who support legislation in favor of renewable energy and protection of environments at risk of complete obliteration.
Oliver elaborated with topics ranging from fossil fuel sustainability myths to the role of government and the activist figures who have harnessed the power of social media to inspire change among millions.
“We are the speaking organ on this planet,” Oliver said.
The rise of new leaders within the ongoing climate change discussion has incited action in recent years through demonstrations and marches that bring thousands of people together.
Oliver presents why serious action in protecting the earth has been stagnant in recent decades. Voting demographics have shown that older generations have a different mindset about the current climate crisis. Apathy has been the norm, because those are the voters, and thus the policy-makers.
“You are going to have to care, because my generation did not,” Oliver said.
He went on to discuss the efforts of Greta Thunberg and having an optimistic mindset for the future, but with a clear understanding of inevitable detriment if comprehensive action is not taken now.
Oliver ended with a message of hope and a plea to care.
“Don’t panic, but don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”
MTSU’s Honors College lecture series on climate change continues with themes ranging from economics and politics to biology. This series will run until the spring semester ends.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Brandon Black, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
For more updates, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Life.
Dr. Phil Oliverfossil fuelsgreenhouse effectGreta Thunberg
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Dean Fischer (Basic and Applied Sciences) thought I may have been too optimistic. My response:
Boston Review (@BostonReview)
Story by Madeline Portilla/Contributing Writer
The imminent threat of climate change has long been debated, but the MTSU Honors College held a lecture last week that focused on the positive by citing the recent cultural shift brought about by influential individuals voicing action.
Dr. Phil Oliver, a philosophy professor at MTSU and self-proclaimed “environmental ethicist,” presented an optimistic position on the ecological state and future of political leadership.
“There is a tomorrow, but what’s the forecast? Cloudy, gray, much warmer. Foreboding, unless a ‘new front’ moves in very quickly,” Oliver said.
Emphasis on civic engagement and the impact of individual voices was the central theme of an often pessimistic discussion. He mentioned the importance of voting for candidates who support legislation in favor of renewable energy and protection of environments at risk of complete obliteration.
Oliver elaborated with topics ranging from fossil fuel sustainability myths to the role of government and the activist figures who have harnessed the power of social media to inspire change among millions.
“We are the speaking organ on this planet,” Oliver said.
The rise of new leaders within the ongoing climate change discussion has incited action in recent years through demonstrations and marches that bring thousands of people together.
Oliver presents why serious action in protecting the earth has been stagnant in recent decades. Voting demographics have shown that older generations have a different mindset about the current climate crisis. Apathy has been the norm, because those are the voters, and thus the policy-makers.
“You are going to have to care, because my generation did not,” Oliver said.
He went on to discuss the efforts of Greta Thunberg and having an optimistic mindset for the future, but with a clear understanding of inevitable detriment if comprehensive action is not taken now.
Oliver ended with a message of hope and a plea to care.
“Don’t panic, but don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”
MTSU’s Honors College lecture series on climate change continues with themes ranging from economics and politics to biology. This series will run until the spring semester ends.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Brandon Black, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
For more updates, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Life.
Dr. Phil Oliverfossil fuelsgreenhouse effectGreta Thunberg
==
Dean Fischer (Basic and Applied Sciences) thought I may have been too optimistic. My response:
I often share a deep pessimism about the future, reflecting on the lapses of the recent past. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to encourage young people to "panic" in the face of the daunting obstacles before them. I'm a devotee of William James's "will to believe" idea, the notion that in dire circumstances requiring a heroic response - the climate crisis is certainly that - it's crucial that agents believe in their own ability to effect change. That's why I cited Michael Chabon's confident response to his little boy's query about the future existence of humans. But you were right, those of us who came of age in the 70s have plenty of cause for a lack of confidence... I side with Mark Twain: “There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.” (So I don't call myself an optimist, but a meliorist-one who strives always to make things better.)
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." https://t.co/df9U7mlik3— Phil Oliver (@OSOPHER) February 4, 2020
Boston Review (@BostonReview)
What are our ethical obligations to one another—and especially the world's poor—in the age of the anthropocene? bostonreview.net/forum/
Section 5:
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me that there's not more people out there who care about the future of our planet. Greta took one for the team when she broadcasted herself to the world to spread awareness. We lose too many animals and far too many trees each year due to ignorance (in my opinion). Climate change is a real thing and it always has been. I wish it was taken much more seriously as we are literally on limited time. I don't know all of the data, but it's common knowledge to know that we produce more and more emissions each year, killing millions of trees, and frankly we are just overpopulated. Something has to be done before the damage becomes irreversible.
The fact that some people on this Earth did not take Greta seriously really shows how some people are unaware or simply do not care about the state of our planet. She was even made into a meme at one point. Honestly, I am amazed that she accomplished such a great feat of spreading this awareness. Not many people can make a statement such as this at such a young age.
DeleteSection 6
Hey Jordan,
DeleteI completely agree with your statement that our biggest issue with respect to climate change is our(humanity's) ignorance. And I hope that more adults can develop the same long term mindset as Greta, who has actually just been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
I agree with everyone. I think a lot of people disregard her because she's so young, but it doesn't matter her age when her message is so true. I'm not quite sure what to do with her message though. Should be all start speaking out and calling out others for their lack of environmental awareness, is it even possible to make a difference when so few people seem to care?
DeleteI obviously agree with the that the climate is in a state thy requires not only immediate attention but also action, but I really enjoy the dr.’s ending sentiment of don’t panic, as nothing good ever comes of it. Urgency is different than full blown panic
ReplyDelete