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Surviving Climate Change: Producing Less and Enjoying it More
The effects of climate change, peak oil and toxic production are
here. We know it every time we see news of weather disasters and
disappearing species. We feel it every time we buy gas. We
hear it every time a child uses an asthma inhaler.
Solutions are here, also. But meaningful changes are being
stubbornly ignored by government, big business and big enviro:
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A genuine effort at reducing greenhouse gases would require food to be
grown within 100 miles of where it is eaten.
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A serious climate change program would stop funding the 800 military
bases which ensure a continuous flow of oil to the US.
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The most energy efficient homes are homes that have no heating system at
all.
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The most energy efficient cars are those that are replaced by trains,
buses, bicycles or feet.
But how do we create a society without individual cars and the expanding
mountains of garbage that are the real causes of environmental
catastrophe? How do we reduce production without worsening the
lives of low income Americans and the poor throughout the world?
Is the production of luxury, waste, plastic food and unnecessary
transport and construction so monstrously large that eliminating it
could actually allow for an increase in necessities and a 30 hour work
week?
On June 27-29, 2008, we will meet at Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood
Ave., St. Louis to discuss remaking American society. The focus
will be on developing solutions, rather than repeating the problems we
all know exist. We will seek solutions that alter the structure of
US society rather than individual lifestyle changes.
The meeting will have the structure of a roundtable rather than a
conference. We assume that many participants will have as much to
contribute as speakers. Panels will have twice as much time for
discussion as presentations.
Please send the registration form and notice the time-sensitive
registration fees. If you need information about lodging near
Webster University, please email .
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Don Fitz, Co-coordinator
Gateway Green Alliance
www.gateway-greens.org
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