Please be aware that this article is sourced from within our new Climate Emergency Dialogue and Self-Education Community.

As we join our recently established Climate Emergency Dialogue and Self-Education Center, it is important to focus our attention on two significant subjects: individuals who oppose Climate Justice Advocacy and the concept of Freedom of Speech.

It is important to acknowledge that in writing this, I firmly believe that every life on the planet holds value. However, it is also important to recognize that there will always be individuals who, due to repeated patterns of gravitating towards unethical and detrimental behaviors, hold views, opinions, and sometimes engage in actions that cause harm to others, whether physically or emotionally.

This does not mean that I perceive these individuals in an “us versus them” manner, but rather that they may either be unaware or intentionally choose unethical actions. I maintain a sense of respect for them while also nurturing the hope that one day they will discover transformative paths towards a more meaningful and valuable way of living.

These opponents tend to perceive anything related to our shared Climate Emergency as a threat to their existing state of affairs, which can encompass both their stance in supporting the fossil fuel and other unethical entities, as well as their personal beliefs and/or ideologies. Meaning that this duality may manifest as either skepticism regarding climate change itself or as a result of religious ideologies.

Hence, it becomes imperative to delve into this matter as an obligatory undertaking specifically for the protection of our community and members, as it reveals our unequivocal position regarding these ideologies and the perceptions held by these individuals.

Furthermore, this article assumes significance as it sheds light on my own struggles with various entities such as Climate Deniers, Anti-Science proponents, Fossil Fuel Advocates, Opportunists, and Doomsday believers. For the purpose of this article, these entities will be collectively referred to as Climate Deniers.

Regarding the task of moderating the actions of these individuals and their unpredictable behavior, I will address the notion of “moderation” from a dual perspective in the final section of this essay. This discussion on moderation will serve as a guiding principle for our responses to the information that will follow.

While I hold deep respect for individuals, it is crucial to call out those who possess the sole intention of sowing discord. Therefore, I assert that I hope our new platform will ultimately attract dedicated and sincere fearless individuals who are prepared to educate themselves and engage in valuable dialogue aimed at addressing our shared Climate Emergency.

It is imperative that we steadfastly refuse to allow anyone to bully us, as yielding to such intimidation erodes our autonomy, human dignity, and inherent worth as individuals. By standing firm against bullying, we preserve our rights, protect our emotional well-being, and promote a culture of respect and equality. Succumbing to bullying perpetuates a cycle of oppression and stifles our potential for growth and self-expression. It is through unwavering resilience and a commitment to assert ourselves that we can foster environments that uphold justice, empathy, and the inherent value of every human being.

First-Hand Experience:

I want to emphasize that the insights I provide are derived solely from my firsthand experiences. Over a span of more than ten years, both myself and individuals known to me have encountered persistent attacks, illegal surveillance, and numerous challenges due to our steadfast dedication to addressing the urgent matter of the shared Climate Emergency. It is through these collective experiences and the diligent observation of behaviors and strategies that I have acquired the necessary qualifications to actively participate in the ongoing discourse.

Again, I emphasize that I do not intend to disrespect these individuals. However, as members, I encourage you to promptly utilize the “block” feature and other built-in moderation tools to report instances of unnecessary and offensive content.

In fact, it is an undeniable reality that we are currently facing a shared Climate Emergency, which is acknowledged by the overwhelming majority of individuals on this planet, (as an example) with the exception of roughly 500,000 Climate Deniers out of a global population of approximately 9 billion people. While we outnumber them substantially, they persist relentlessly in their denialist pursuits.

Our approach towards them should mirror that of a mosquito in their bed—a small pest capable of causing discomfort and urging them to reconsider their views or depart from their current mindset. I am adamant about this matter due to the extensive disharmony and deliberate efforts to impede progress in addressing the Climate Emergency that I have witnessed.

Given our numerical advantage, we possess the ability to assert our position and hope that, over time, these individuals will undergo a transformation in their ideology and distance themselves from their allegiance to unethical companies, unprincipled leadership and individuals.

Therefore, once you become a member of our new Climate Emergency Dialogue and Self-Education Center, I implore you to demonstrate courage and attentiveness towards any behavior aimed at causing delays, disharmony, instigating conflicts, or engaging in unkind and malicious actions. Should you observe such conduct, please do not hesitate to block or report the individuals involved. If you feel uncomfortable taking such action directly, you are welcome to send me a private message. We should hold no fear in engaging in discourse with any of them, particularly regarding the reality of our Climate Emergency.

It is crucial to emphasize that our intention is not to initiate censorship or impede the concept of “freedom of speech. Rather, our objective is to foster an environment where productive dialogue can flourish, enabling us to address the pressing issues of our Climate Emergency. Our collective strength, supported by an overwhelming majority, empowers us to confront the obstacles presented by Climate Deniers. Through constructive dialogue, education, and a steadfast resolve, we can overcome the disharmony they seek to sow, all the while teaching them the examples of tolerance, empathy and compassion.

Together, let us navigate this complex terrain with unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause of addressing our shared Climate Emergency. In doing so, we will not only foster a space conducive to intellectual growth and exchange but also contribute to the global movement working towards a sustainable future.  Now let’s move this discourse towards the realities of ‘freedom-of-speech.’

Freedom of Speech:

(Please read the all of the quotes below as well since each one was specifically hand-picked here to make or solidify my points.)

“Freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly are essential to a functioning democracy, and we should cherish those values and do our best to protect them.” – Barack Obama

Freedom of Speech does not mean there aren’t consequences for your actions. It doesn’t mean everyone gets to say whatever comes into their head without consequence. There needs to be a balance between expressing yourself and having empathy towards others.

“There would indeed be something monstrous about the uniform imposition of any one type of character, moral or physical, upon mankind.” – John Stuart Mill

And finally, the internet was made available so everyone had access to all sorts of information, but at a cost. Now we have to learn to spot fake news, propaganda etc. and make sure that what we’re reading is accurate and true before sharing and posting things online as well.

“The Internet is a fantastic way to stay connected, share ideas, make friends, create businesses, and much more. But like anything good, there’s bad people doing rotten stuff too…” – Paul Levy, CEO of CALM UK (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

It may take longer to find out the real facts surrounding something, but it helps avoid pandemonium later down the road when someone finds out it wasn’t true or accurate after all. Overall, Free speech is needed in any given society to flourish, but like everything else moderation should rule supreme.

“The truth is incontrovertible; malice may attack it; ignorance may deride it; but in the end there it is.” – Winston Churchill

In turn, such irresponsibility erodes trust as often times people want to use that right of free speech for unethical purposes or simply as tools to intimidate manipulate or gain power. Therefore, true reasoning understands that the most powerful form of self-regulation comes from individuals themselves because nobody wants to end up losing their credibility reputation because they said something stupid carelessly destructive that ruins their public image.

That simple fear of loss encourages restraint, thoughtfulness and common sense and serves the greater interest of society. True progress is measured by the number of hearts and minds changed and improved rather than just loud voice volume or words alone.

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they don’t want to hear.” – George Orwell

What happens when free speech is based ideology that can be considered incorrect or based on misinformation? Is it allowed and accepted, simply because it is deemed free speech? The reason why these questions are extremely important is because a result of this type free speech is that many can get hurt or worse, dead. This is a known fact up and down history, even more tragically when loss of life are multitudes.

“Hateful ideas can spread just as easily as loving ones, if not more so, and we must be vigilant lest hate gain a foothold in our own hearts and minds.” – Madeleine Albright

I believe that, although free speech is important it should be adhered to in a community, however when you have a focused ‘club’ or ‘community’ then free speech can be based on guidelines and conditions as set by the venues owner.

“The price of freedom of religion, or of speech, or of the press, is that we must put up with, and even pay for, a good deal of rubbish.” – Justice Robert Bork

The consequences of misplaced freedom of speech extend far beyond the realm of mere danger, as they possess the alarming potential to inflict significant harm, and in extreme cases, even lead to loss of life. When freedom of speech is wielded irresponsibly, allowing for the dissemination of hate speech, incitement to violence, or the spread of false information, it creates an environment ripe for discord, division, and unrest.

To reiterate power of words should never be underestimated, as they have the capacity to shape public opinion, incite acts of aggression, and perpetuate harmful ideologies. Therefore, it is vital to recognize that the unchecked misuse of freedom of speech can result in dire consequences, making it imperative to uphold responsible and ethical communication to safeguard the well-being and safety of individuals and society as a whole.

“It is important, therefore, that individuals control their own destiny, that they develop an internal locus of evaluation, that they seek to reach decisions autonomously for themselves.” – Jurgen Habermas

While I support the concept of freedom of speech, it is crucial to exercise discernment, especially within a team working on a project with potentially hazardous components, such as an energy device (for example). In such instances, it becomes apparent that only competent, trained, and mature individuals should be involved in the process, rather than those who vehemently assert unfounded claims, such as denying the existence of the sun and dismissing it as a figment of our imagination.

Rational decision-making and expertise are essential to ensure the safe and effective development of complex projects, requiring a responsible approach that prioritizes knowledge and critical thinking over baseless assertions.

“Facts matter little in such discussions because what drives these conversations is often ideology, rather than empirical observation. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many of my fellow Republicans taking leave of their senses and becoming increasingly strident, vitriolic commentators who seem more interested in advancing an agenda than engaging in fact-based debate.” – Seth Moulton, US Congressman from Massachusetts, regarding partisan debates on climate change.

The concept of freedom of speech holds immense validity, yet it should be acknowledged that it carries significant responsibility and consequences. Its exercise should be grounded in maturity, compassion, and understanding, tailored to the specific subject at hand.

Freedom of speech should not be wielded haphazardly, resembling a boomerang that is mindlessly thrown without regard for context or impact. Instead, it necessitates thoughtful and respectful discourse, taking into account the nuances and sensitivities surrounding the subject matter. By embracing responsible and context-sensitive communication, we can uphold the essence of freedom of speech while minimizing the potential harm that may arise from its misuse.

“Democracies need informed citizens in order to function and progress. But, tragically, in India today, millions of WhatsApp forward messages contain misinformation and disinformation which poisons people’s opinions and makes common knowledge base untrue. This is not only deepening the fault lines in society, but also reducing the quality of public discourse around vital issues.” -Nandan Nilekani, Indian entrepreneur & politician

Ultimately, it is crucial for community members to uphold proper etiquette when freely expressing themselves, whether in online or offline interactions. Online communities, in particular, may find it necessary to implement stricter measures such as censorship, banning, or limited access in order to mitigate negative behaviors that can hinder the group’s well-being and progress. These restrictions, though they may be perceived as limitations, are often essential to foster an environment of harmony, respect, and sustained development. By adhering to such guidelines, community members can ensure that their interactions remain constructive, inclusive, and conducive to the collective growth and positive engagement of all participants.

“The greatest enemy of truth is very often not the lie–deliberate, contrived and dishonest–but the myth–persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” – John F. Kennedy

In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge that the academic field has a longstanding commitment to ethical standards rooted in evidence-based research methods. These standards serve as safeguards against intellectual recklessness, unfounded allegations, false claims, biased viewpoints, and the dissemination of deceptive information that perpetuates societal division. By upholding these ethical principles ourselves within the community, we prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and the advancement of a more informed and cohesive society.

When free speech becomes carelessly irresponsible, it erodes trust and weakens the foundation upon which knowledge creation rests. Therefore, we must always strive to uplift and defend responsible dialogue while respectfully challenging words spoken out of turn or without regard for truthful veracity. Only then shall we foster sustainable growth and meaningful understanding among peoples.” – (huggingface.co AI)

Defining ‘Moderation’ – AI Sourced:

Moderation is the concept of maintaining a balanced and reasonable approach or behavior in various aspects of life. It involves avoiding extremes and excesses while finding a middle ground or optimal level that promotes well-being, harmony, and equilibrium.

In practical terms, moderation encompasses aspects such as self-control, temperance, and avoiding excesses or extremes in various areas, including diet, exercise, work, leisure, consumption, and even emotional responses. It emphasizes the importance of finding a harmonious and sustainable balance that promotes overall health, happiness, and stability.

Moderation is not about deprivation or rigid restrictions; rather, it is about making conscious choices that promote moderation in all things. It involves being mindful of one’s actions, understanding personal limits, and making informed decisions to maintain a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle.

By practicing moderation, individuals can prevent or reduce the negative consequences of excesses or extremes, whether it be in terms of physical health, mental well-being, relationships, or other areas of life. It allows for a more sustainable and long-term approach, fostering stability, resilience, and a sense of overall harmony.

Ultimately, moderation can be seen as a guiding principle that encourages balance, mindfulness, and self-awareness, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.

“Informed citizens can change the world.” – Bill Gates

Defining Moderation from the standpoint of those deadest on causing disharmony:

In the context of insidious behaviors from individuals who aim to cause disharmony due to their belief system or support of unethical influencers, moderation takes on a slightly different meaning. In this context, moderation refers to adopting a measured and thoughtful approach when dealing with such individuals or situations.

Moderation entails several key elements:

  1. Emotional restraint: It involves maintaining emotional composure and avoiding unrestrained emotional outbursts when confronted with provocative or harmful behavior. By exercising emotional restraint, you can prevent escalating the situation and maintain a sense of inner calm and control.
  2. Rational response: Instead of reacting impulsively or aggressively, moderation encourages responding to insidious behaviors with reason and logic. It involves critically analyzing the situation, understanding the motivations behind such behaviors, and formulating a thoughtful response.
  3. Self-empowerment: Moderation involves focusing on personal growth, self-education, and emotional maturity as a means of empowerment. By strengthening your own knowledge, understanding, and emotional resilience, you can effectively counteract the negative influence of unethical individuals or belief systems.
  4. Non-violence and non-retaliation: Moderation emphasizes the importance of avoiding physical or verbal violence when dealing with those who aim to cause disharmony. Retaliating in such a manner can escalate conflicts, cause harm, and perpetuate a cycle of negativity. Instead, moderation promotes peaceful and constructive methods of addressing differences and disagreements.
  5. Firm boundaries and assertiveness: Setting clear boundaries and assertively expressing your position is an integral part of moderation. It involves standing up for your beliefs and values while maintaining a respectful and constructive approach. By assertively communicating your stance, you can establish a sense of self-worth and deter those who seek to disrupt harmony.
  6. Seek common ground: Moderation also encourages finding areas of common ground and engaging in respectful dialogue with those who hold opposing views. While it may not always be possible to change someone’s belief system, seeking understanding and finding shared values can foster a more constructive and empathetic approach to addressing differences.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon

In summary, moderation in the face of insidious behaviors and support for unethical influencers, such as the fossil fuel and other unprincipled entities involves exercising emotional restraint, responding rationally, empowering oneself through personal growth and education, avoiding violence or retaliation, setting firm boundaries, and seeking common ground where possible. It promotes a balanced and measured approach to maintain harmony while addressing and countering harmful influences.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I encourage you to find the courage to speak up and take a stand when you observe others causing problems, attacking human dignity, spreading misinformation or disinformation, or engaging in actions that harm others. Your voice can make a difference in promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability. By actively addressing these issues, we contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive environment where open dialogue and understanding can thrive.

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou

cCc

My own sentiments with Chat-GPT revised and edited!