Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action reviewed

We look at the latest book from Dana Fisher. See more about the book here.

Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action reviewed

Dana Fisher has been around the block and has a good depth of knowledge about how we have reached the dire point that humanity now finds itself in. Fisher attended many of the previous environmental conferences over the last two decades which purported to be last chances for humanity to make a real correction from our negative behaviour and practices. Trouble is, that, after spending serious time and commitment at those events, it is not unfair to say that not enough was done and various tipping points and markers of no return have all been reached and left in the rear view mirror.

Gone are the days when, if we acted ‘now’ then we could save the planet without massive environmental and ecological devastation taking place. Now we are at the point when, if we could ever pull our collective fingers out, we could at least mitigate some of the worst effects and damage. Fisher argues that we can still make enough changes, and in sufficient time, to ensure we don’t kill off most of the life on this planet, including our own species. Trouble is, as humans have failed to truly pull together and do this up to this point, why will it happen or be achieved going forwards.

Fisher’s book is important, accurate and clear eyed about the challenges we face and the big efforts needed to save our selves. At the same time we are in a negative place now, and it is hard to see if humanity can achieve the requisite actions. Fisher argues that it is still possible, hopefully she is right, but it does seem to be an increasingly longer and longer long shot.

Earth Day 2021, climate activism and #blacklivesmatter must not be seen in isolation, insights with Dana R. Fisher

More about the book

We’ve known for decades that climate change is an existential crisis. For just as long, we’ve seen the complete failure of our institutions to rise to the challenge. Governments have struggled to meet even modest goals. Fossil fuel interests maintain a stranglehold on political and economic power. Even though we have seen growing concern from everyday people, civil society has succeeded only in pressuring decision makers to adopt watered-down policies. All the while, the climate crisis worsens. Is there any hope of achieving the systemic change we need?

Dana R. Fisher argues that there is a realistic path forward for climate action—but only through mass mobilization that responds to the growing severity and frequency of disastrous events. She assesses the current state of affairs and shows why public policy and private-sector efforts have been ineffective. Spurred by this lack of progress, climate activism has become increasingly confrontational.

Fisher examines the radical flank of the climate movement: its emergence and growth, its use of direct action, and how it might evolve as the climate crisis worsens. She considers when and how activism is most successful, identifying the importance of creating community, capitalizing on shocking moments, and cultivating resilience. Clear-eyed yet optimistic, Saving Ourselves offers timely insights on how social movements can take power back from deeply entrenched interests and open windows of opportunity for transformative climate action.

More about Dana Fisher

 Dana R. Fisher, author of Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action (Columbia Univ. Press, Feb 13), appeared as a guest on an episode on the Irish Tech News in 2021. A self-described apocalyptic optimist — she starts with the apocalypse — a litany of failed efforts by policymakers and business interests, climate shocks increasing in frequency and severity, and a future of social conflict and competition for limited resources. But she leaves the window open that we might yet still save ourselves through mass mobilization.

Dana R. Fisher is the director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity and a professor in the School of International Service at American University. Her books include Activism Inc.: How the Outsourcing of Grassroots Campaigns Is Strangling Progressive Politics in America (2006) and American Resistance: From the Women’s March to the Blue Wave (Columbia, 2019).

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