Annoyed by Climate Activism? Here’s why it works 🌍
TL;DR: In this blog, we zoom out to discuss the social change we need. Dana R. Fisher explains why activism seems so sensational and disruptive, helps us explore the concept of an anthroshift and practical steps for the way forward (from a sociologist perspective)!
The Anthroshift, our way to social change
In our fourth episode of the podcast, we sat down with sociologist Dana R. Fisher to discuss her latest book, “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action.”
In her book Dana introduces us to the concept of the Anthroshift, a social theory she developed with colleague Andrew Jorgenson. This theory explains how social change occurs when there is a universal sense of risk — remember the pandemic and the "new normal" we had to endure for a few years?
Dana explains:
“The Anthroshift is about how the state, market, and civil society actors interact when they collectively recognize a significant risk. This reconfiguration can drive substantial social change.”
Dana outlines three critical sectors that need to shift if we want to address climate change in time:
The State: The government policies and regulations crucial for large-scale change on a societal level.
The Market: The transitions businesses and economic systems must undergo towards sustainable practices.
Civil Society: Our role as individuals and communities in pushing for change and holding the other sectors accountable.
However, these shifts face significant obstacles, primarily from deep rooted fossil fuel interests. Dana notes:
Fossil fuel companies have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, and they wield considerable power in our political and economic systems.
If you want to learn more about the interaction between state, market and us as a society, we highly suggest the full episode for more context!
This is where the role of climate activism comes in. Pushing back as a collective front against the fossil fuel interests.
While individually, we don't have the power to drive systemic change, there is something we can do to get involved👇
The different forms of activism
There are a bunch of ways you can help the climate movement, and not all of them require you to throw soup at the Mona Lisa, or paint at Stonehenge...
In her book, Dana distinguishes between direct and indirect activism, and explains us the importance of both:
Direct Activism
This includes actions like protests and civil disobedience, which aim to draw immediate attention to climate issues. Dana refers to activists who engage in these actions as “shockers” because they use performative protests to shock the public and media into paying attention.
This is what we see most of on tv or on our phones: throwing stuff at art, glueing themselves at the pavement and in some extreme cases...setting themselves on fire.
Indirect Activism
This involves long-term campaigns and policy advocacy. Dana describes these “disrupters” as activists who work from within our systems, such as lobbying for divestment from fossil fuels or pushing for sustainable policies at local and national levels.
We need both shockers and disrupters to create a comprehensive movement. Each plays a critical role in driving the necessary social changes.
But does it work??
While some tactics, like seemingly destroying art — they do choose art with covers that can be cleaned —, may seem controversial and potentially negative to the movement, the broader goal of these actions is to draw urgent attention to the climate crisis.
These actions are aimed to disrupt the status quo and ignite public pressure, making it impossible to ignore the topic of the climate crisis.
As Dana highlights in her work, even controversial actions can help mobilize support and generate widespread awareness.
So, what can we do as civil society? 👇
Tools for building a sustainable future
In her book "Saving ourselves: from climate shocks to climate action" Dana outlines three practical paths for moving forward:
Creating Community and Real Solidarity
Building strong, supportive communities is essential for resilience.
“Communities that are connected can better withstand climate shocks... When your phone is useless, your neighbours and community will be the ones you look towards for help... This social resilience is just as important as environmental resilience.”
Capitalizing on Moral Shocks
Activists can use moral shocks — events that outrage public conscience — to win support.
Dana explains, “Highlighting injustices, especially when peaceful activists are met with repression or even violence, can mobilize broader support for climate action.”
Cultivating Resilience
Preparing for climate impacts through climate adaptation strategies and resilient infrastructure is crucial.
Dana notes, “We need to rebuild with resilience in mind, ensuring our communities can withstand future climate shocks.”
For this, we have an episode coming up, so stay tuned!
Watch the full episode for more tips
For a deeper dive into these topics and her book, check out the full episode with Dana R. Fisher. So follow the rabbit to our Creators For Climate Youtube channel and tune in to the whole conversation!
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