This week I read Chapter 2 of Climate: A News Story and I would have to say that I enjoyed this chapter more than Chapter 1. This chapter highlights the importance of trying to relate to the "opposing" side. All the sections in the chapter deal with examples and different aspects of trying to not take a combative stance against others who are not a part of your "group". Eisenstein discusses that in most cases, environmentalists have the position that nothing else matters other than their environmental issues. He suggests that doing this makes environmentalists portray themselves as being full of themselves. Suggesting that your problems matter and that other problems don't matter might drive a lot of people away. I agree very strongly with Eisenstein on this point that environmentalists should take into consideration other major problems in the world as equally important as environmental issues. Many people find the environmental message patronizing and I agree that stopping this would garner more support for this movement.
Throughout this chapter Eisenstein also points out social problems and environmental problems are heavily interlinked. There is insurmountable evidence that demonstrates how more increased levels of poverty leads to increased levels of pollution and resource use. Given this information Eisenstein gives us the idea that we need to fix social issues along with environmental issues because one can not get better without the other. I really appreciate that Eisenstein is aware of the gravity of environmental issues while giving such focus to actual people because he understands that environmental issues will not get better without the support of everyone especially those in opposition of the environmental movement. I look forward to what Eisenstein has to say in Chapter 3 and hopefully he builds on this message of trying to bring everyone together to solve not just environmental issues but social issues as well.
