Dark Optimism is the not-for-profit public interest research work of Shaun Chamberlin, working with a wide network of friends and partners nationally and internationally.
We are unashamedly positive about what kind of a world humanity could create, and unashamedly realistic about how far we are from creating it today.
An ingeniously clear and engaging 11 minute animation explaining why the next few years are the most important humanity has ever faced, or will ever face. We who are lucky enough to be alive now are effectively the most powerful people who will ever live, and future generations are breathlessly watching our every choice.
More information on the animation and the thorough research behind it can be found at: http://wakeupfreakout.org/
Superstruct is a new massively-multiplayer online game in which players like you will invent the future of our world.
In 2019 the Global Extinction Awareness System (GEAS) has just reported that humanity may face extinction by the year 2042 and people around the world are mobilising to respond (GEAS report available here).
There are five intersecting ‘Superthreats’ which are the main drivers behind this projection, and I will be guiding the community focusing on ameliorating the ‘Power Struggle’ Superthreat (our post-peak oil energy troubles). Join us. Read more »
We are all familiar with the concept of climate change, and the need for reduced carbon emissions, but really getting a handle on the scale of the problem can be difficult, thanks to all the confusing terminology.
I looked all over the web for a straightforward comprehensive explanation of terms like CO2, CO2equivalent, GWP etc. but I couldn’t find it, so eventually I decided to spend some of my time (and the time of many helpful friends and colleagues) on creating one.
I didn’t count on quite how intricate the underlying science is (it became ever clearer to me why there is so much confusion in this area), so the process took some considerable time, but I believe that this post is now something that many will find useful. It has been checked for accuracy by qualified experts. Read more »
The IPPR have now joined our challenge to DEFRA’s decision to delay a full feasibility study into TEQs, announcing that their research found that the public are far better disposed towards personal carbon allowances than DEFRA claim, and much prefer the idea to carbon taxation or upstream carbon trading (IPPR’s research took the time to explain the three schemes rather more thoroughly than DEFRA had, which certainly helped on this score).
(pic - yesterday’s non-violent direct action at Kingsnorth, courtesy of Indymedia)
I’m back from this year’s Climate Camp, and was deeply impressed with what I found there, both in terms of the organisation of the site (carried out largely by social anarchists) and the attitude and behaviour of the protesters.
The Camp is still running as I write, and I know large numbers of people are remaining to clear the site of all traces of our presence (in line with the request of the landowner), but for me it has been the most enjoyable, inspiring and re-energising of weeks. Judging by the media response I wasn’t alone in this. Read more »
The Camp for Climate Action starts this Sunday and runs for just over a week, until Monday 11th August. I will be there giving a workshop in partnership with the Zero Carbon Britain team (on the Wednesday - full workshop list here), and I urge all of you in the UK to come along too, whether for the whole week, for the weekend, or just for a day. Read more »
