In the past few months, there have been 3 big stories, that will make your head spin.

They are not all directly related to climate change, but they change the world in similar ways and are symptoms of a disease-ridden system that we need to change if we want a chance at stopping a global climate crisis.

We really need a change in the way we monitor global industries and sectors, as a few big players are cashing in while putting the rest of the world in mortal danger –yes, mortal.

 

Don’t worry, I have easy steps for you at the end of the post.

 

So let just jump right in and look at the 3 culprits.

1) A fertilizer cartel sparked the 2008 food crisis, pushing 44million people into poverty.

2) Exxon mobile kept its data on the fossil fuel-climate change link secret for 30 years, lobbying against the academic research which supported the fact, that global climate change is a) real, and b) linked to fossil fuels.

3) The sugar industry lobbied against the research linking a high carbohydrate intake (a Mc-Diet, if you will) to diabetes, heart decided, cardiovascular decease and more.

 

This is why we can’t have nice things. We have a world full of people trying to do good and change the world for the better. And then we have a few corporations, and industries bring positive development to a halt.

They have investors and their sole purpose in the world is to make money. But you know what, you can make money without lying, without pushing millions into poverty, without covering up vital health information, and most importantly, without almost killing off all life on earth.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m a bit angry with these industries. While writing this, I thought to myself;

Damn, this can’t be true. Am I exaggerating?

Unfortunately no, this is not something I made up. This is actually happening. Like I said, you’re not paranoid if it’s actually happening. But it really does sound more like the plot of a movie, than real life.

 

So the world sucks, why does it matter?

Well, of course, we should prevent our industries from killing us, that goes without saying, but there’s more to it.

In a world where 44 million people can be pushed into poverty, and the world can suffer a global food crisis, because of a fertilizer cartel, many of the political, and financial incentives of making the world better doesn’t mean diddly-squat. Things like securing emission reduction and imposing anti-pollution legislation become wishful thinking.

We need to create a system of finance, and of governance, where the above is not possible. Where money does not trump human lives, and the future of our planet. This should not be wishful thinking.

 

It is not too much to ask, that the industries who power our homes, farm our soils, and produce our food, don’t kill us.

 

What can you do? Small, Medium, or Big step?

Taking action doesn’t need to be excruciating, and about saving the world all at once. Every action matters, and we all give what we can. Even if you can just take a small step, it’s still a step. It’s still something you did to change the situation. Well done, you!

Small step: Get educated – read the above articles

Medium step: Vote for a party, or candidate, that takes action on these issues (I Fucking Love Science agrees with me on this one)

Big step: Find an organization that actively works against the above mentioned, and get involved