Ideas from TED

Activist Van Jones has figured out the most important idea in politics, George Lakoff’s notion of framing a political argument. In this case that “going green” is more important than merely saving the environment, something that is understandably obtuse for someone living in the inner city, and framed it to be about creating a wealth of new job opportunities. The kinds of arguments, such as green jobs and climate change as a national security issue, are the ones that are going to change public perceptions and encourage genuine action on the part of the public and government.
While climate change does represent an extraordinary threat I have just begun to learn, in this class and my Energy Politics class, about all the ideas that are out there trying to solve these problems. It seems to only be a matter of political and public will to demand changes. Some cool examples of ideas floating around out there can be found on an amazing website called simply TED for Technology, Entertainment and Design:

www.ted.com

Specifically, Paul Stamets on 6 ways mushrooms can save the world:

www.ted.com/index.php/talks/paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world.html

Also, controversial but fascinating ideas from David Kieth on slowing global warming:

www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_keith_s_surprising_ideas_on_climate_change.html

I believe that ideas such as Van Jones’ addressing climate change in terms of job potential to lower income sectors is a positive way that allows for real change in people’s lives and can only bring about the kind of political and public will needed to create genuine action rather than just rhetorical hand-wringing.