Fossil fuels have a lot in common with slaves. They are a source of energy that comes with a baggage of destroyed lives, unethical practices, perceived dependence, and a climate of fear… or a fear of climate.
Similarly, Europe is well ahead of America in stopping their use, and the Republican-Confederates are again pushing against the tide of history.
There is a new player on the scene: Australia. We have the slavers in the deep north tricking and paying off the inhabitants and exporting their lucrative, immoral cargo from booming port towns.
There is one difference though; the stakes are higher, ultimately everyone stands to lose.
The American Civil War was the outcome last time and, hey Confederates, new sources of energy were found! Economies prospered. We can do it again, hopefully without civil wars if the Confederates can wake up.
Right now the best way to undermine the slave trade is to put solar panels on your roof. It helps bring down the price of solar panels and puts a downward pressure on the peak power prices of electricity.
Meanwhile you can subscribe to transitionbyronshire.org’s newsletter, watch www.climatedots.org/thingshappen/, and heaven forbid, donate here http://greens.org.au .
Sapoty Brook, Mullumbimby