mole333: The connection between the environmental movement and women's rights is explicitly recognized by the European Green movement, but the two issues are generally thought of separately in American politics. Could you comment on your view on the connection between these movements in America historically and why in America the connection is less explicit than it is in Europe.
Teresa: It is important to remember that the European Greens, a political party – with a specific view on a myriad of topics. In the U.S., while there are environmentalists of all ages and political persuasions, there is no formal political equivalent. Rather, the U.S. environmental effort has been to focus on specific issues and candidates, to assess whether candidates for political office work for or on behalf of the environment on those issues each of us cares deeply and/or passionately about. For many of us, there is a realization that we must address the issues of climate change and toxins now. Whether such an effort requires a formal political movement will only forestall the action that needs to occur, and we cannot allow ourselves to be focused on nuances instead of specific actions. Here, time is our enemy, not our friend.
We have an opportunity now, more than ever, to reach out to women across the U.S. - across all political, religious and all socio-economic groups to come together for a common goal – the future as it pertains to our children, grandchildren and beyond. Women have long been this nation’s nurturers – willing to take the kind of risks that many others have been afraid or unwilling to do. One need only think of Rachael Carson.
Rachel Carson was, in the truest sense of the word, a prophet. She foresaw the future, urged people to act, offered them a better way, and found herself embraced by some and reviled by others for the clarity of her vision and voice. Ridiculed by corporations and vested interests for daring to connect the dots between environment degradation and human health, Rachel Carson stood fast.
She outpaced scientists, government regulators and community activists in sounding the alarm on the harmful effects of man-made chemical compounds on human health and the environment. She was so far ahead of her time that many Americans are only now coming to appreciate the power of her writing as they search for solutions to the environmental problems we face today.
To me, this is what each woman has a chance to do. We may never all be exactly like Rachael Carson, but imagine how quickly we could change the debate in the U.S. on global climate change, clean water, toxins, etc.
That is why I wanted to start a blog tour, to find other women and men across the U.S. who are willing to take a stand, fight for a better environment, cleaner air and a better life for all generations to come. Today, we may not be as organized as the Europeans, but an American style grassroots effort focused on one or two important environmental issues, could launch an effort that even the right wing could not stop!
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