So You've Protested... Now What?

There's been a lot of talk about a lot of things lately. There's been a lot of posturing, a lot of talk, a lot of hyperbole. There's been a lot of mugging for cameras and a lot of nice speeches being made about a lot of things. You see people on TV standing in the streets holding signs and blocking traffic. People are talking and demonstrating but not doing much else.

You saw that yesterday when a crowd of protestors took to the streets in Washington D.C. yesterday. Protestors literally took their cause to the streets as they stood in the middle of major intersections with signs to show the world they are fed up with the "lack of action" on the part of world leaders and they want their clean and green planet back. Stealing the spotlight, however, was a 16-year-old girl from Sweden named Greta Thunberg. Thunberg was the United Nations to deliver a speech regarding the dire situation the Earth and its climate is in due to the neglect and abuse by people and corporations in first-world and developing countries alike. Her scathing, "How dare you," reprimand has become the latest YouTube staple and eco-rallying cry for champions of the environment everywhere.

Again, this is a nice story for they climate activists and Thunberg has no doubt ingrained herself in the minds of people on both sides of the debate. A nice moment for the cause but what has it really accomplished?

Climate activists are demanding change. They are demanding action. What are they really doing?

"They're bringing people's attention to the problem," people may respond but hasn't that been the case for 30 years? Hasn't speaking, marching and protesting, calling for change been the standard for those who are so concerned about their future?

How did people get there? Thunberg came from across the Atlantic Ocean. She should have been,  "back at school on the other side of the ocean," according to her speech but instead she took a Transatlantic flight to make her point about neglectful leaders who "stole her dreams and childhood with empty words."

What exactly did this accomplish? What were Thunberg or protest organizers hoping to accomplish by staging this protest that came complete with a doctor's note? Wouldn't the environment be better served by having people like Thunberg staying home and finding local businesses whose practices benefit or don't impact the environment as much. Wouldn't the environment be better served by supporting those businesses? Why not call people's attention to such businesses instead of causing people to sit in idling cars while people block their way to work or home or a doctor's appointment?

Standing in people's way and calling attention to a plight doesn't accomplish anything constructive. It only fuels more frustration. The next time someone wants to show concern for the environment make sure you are supporting a business that uses "green" materials and be sure to let your friends know about it. Just be sure to do it on the sidewalk or over the phone so the rest of the world can continue with its business. Lead by example and let everyone know what can they can really do instead of grandstanding and telling yourself you have made a difference.