BLOG - 15C - Comments on Before the Flood (Unsolicited)

 Larry Feirman                                            April , 2021

 State & Local Government                       Unsolicited Comment - Before the Flood

Although this was not part of our assignment, I wanted to comment on the film.  If we were in a zoom or class environment, the possibility of a discussion about the movie would have occurred.

Having a "celebrity" as a spokesperson for a cause a serious as climate change | global warming, especially a Hollywood Liberal Democrat, tends to make it feel disingenuous ( I believe in GW&CC), and a converted democrat in the past 6 years, so I am making these comments, trying to be as apolitical as possible. How about some diversity; perhaps a man & woman, and not from Hollywood or similar circles.

In another class at NDNU, we watched a Brookings Institute podcast about GW&CC, that showcased some very smart millenials; all well educated, concerned, and well intentioned. There was diversity, with a more modern twist on technical aspect of measurement.  What left me unimpressed, or wondering is; where's the meat"?  It was all vague, big picture, and wishful thinking.

What we all discussed after the podcast was this:  people like you and me need a plan, step by step, how we can support such a huge issue.  For instance: drive less, smaller vehicles, or none at all. Reduce home food consumption waste.  The amount of discarded food in industralized nations is shocking ( don't have the exact number but google food waste - NPR Feb.2021 or March 2021.

On a personal note about my environmental behavior: I rarely drive, but when I do, its to the market or an appointment.  I separate recyclables from a minimal amount of food waste.  I manage water & electric usage in a miserly fashion :0) !  What else can one do?

The messages need to communicate detail.