Will The Fossil Fuel Industry Ever Be A Thing Of The Past?

<p>Crankstart Intern Suzi Darrington from Oxford University, who&#39;s with us for six weeks, is in the Listeners Chair. This is the third of eight episodes where she will reside in that seat.</p> <p>Listener Heather in Ablington, Wiltshire, England, sent in the following question for discussion today:</p> <p>“Some companies are suggesting climate protesters should actually go and work for them and help them be more sustainable, which is what many companies say they want to be. Is this an honest attempt at bringing in fresh energy and ideas to improve internal sustainability, or a cynical attempt at silencing protest?”</p> <p>Suzi believes it&#39;s a cynical effort to stifle protest. For instance, if someone opposes the fossil fuel industry and is invited by someone within that sector to collaborate for improvement, it undermines the initial stance that the industry should cease to exist.</p> <p>Moreover, suggesting that protestors&#39; actions have minimal impact, and that joining the protested company would be more effective, often comes across as insincere. Companies frequently don&#39;t follow through on such offers, merely creating noise. Hiring individuals capable of creating real change, who are likely more skilled than protesters, would be more meaningful.</p> <p>Suzi also delves into how protesters lobby governments for regulations on these companies, as opposed to relying on the free market. The free market, driven solely by profit, won&#39;t address social and environmental concerns. Suzi questions if a global agreement on regulations is necessary, as shifting a company to another country due to regulatory disagreements isn&#39;t always straightforward.</p> <p>She introduces an action: reevaluating our perception and dialogue about protestors. Is the inconvenience they cause comparable to the existential threat of climate change?</p> <p>William notes protesters&#39; varied backgrounds and the risk of internal disruption if they infiltrate organizations.</p> <p>He discusses legislative vulnerabilities.