My main result came from talking to people. Some were in groups, looking insular, probably preparing to present. Nearly all who were on their own were focused on their phones or computers.
The introduction I worked out was, “Everyone is on their phones and computers, but I think we’re supposed to network.”
Everyone I walked up to and said it to smiled and started talking. I started maybe a dozen conversations that way. I listened to each share why they were there and whatever they wanted to share. If they asked, I practiced delivering versions of the message of the book I’m working on and the movement it will start.
That is, I did my reps. I practiced the basics. I see leadership as a performance art and practicing the basics, doing reps, is how we improve.
I got some constructive criticism, some expert advice from a guy who happened to be a lawyer, and mostly positive feedback, implying all the writing, rewriting, and talking so far has helped.
But enough about me. What about my observations?
Everyone I met, everyone I saw speak on stage, everyone I overheard talking … all flew in. One guy told me he walked from midtown but flew to New York City. I suspect the rest took taxis, despite the location being a short walk from midtown.
Of the first speakers, 3 flew from the UK, 2 from Australia, 1 from Nigeria, 1 from Spain, 1 from Miami, then I stopped keeping track. Several talked about the various places they flew to recently.
They promoted more so-called “clean” “green” or “renewable” energy sources, or an “energy transition.”
They promoted more mineral extraction in service of this “transition.”
None promoted extracting less fossil fuels, uranium, or minerals.
They blamed oil majors and their “enablers,” meaning politicians but never themselves even in a space with thousands of people who likely funded them with millions of dollars just in flight fees to come here.
There was no food allowed in the room with the main stage, but when I walked in before the first speaker, the first trash can I passed was already full of doof wrappers. I saw many people with plastic cups from Starbucks and the equivalents.
In the line to enter the venue, I saw many people arrive by car, nearly all one per vehicle, most vehicles large SUVs.
Several speakers confused weather with climate.
Their main measures of success were 1) percent of energy from so-called “clean” “green” or “renewable” sources and 2) carbon emission. None suggested a measure of fossil fuels, uranium, or minerals extracted. Their measures can rise forever and never decrease the source of the problem.
One said we could act because it’s not like twenty years ago, when the problem was theoretical. But twenty years ago the problems we’re facing today weren’t theoretical. Most of them weren’t theoretical fifty years ago. Nothing meaningful changed in our understanding of the problems since then. If our understanding today is actually no different than then and we think a change in awareness will make a difference, we won’t act differently. I suggest we could use leadership. Luckily I’m working on it.
Most suggesting action suggested governments promote industrialization, especially in the “Global South.” Is the government’s role to promote industrialization or if such actions undermine liberty, freedom, equality, democracy, and national security, then to promote these political values and thereby to enable citizens to solve problems?