Dr. Gail Bradbrook | 'The Big Questions' BBC | 9 February 2020 | Extinction Rebellion

[@EnzoVecchiaio]

"The economy is a subset of the ecosystem, not the reverse." Herman Daly, Ecological Economics. All energy & material input to the economy comes through the natural world (sunlight, wind, fossil fuels, geothermal, uranium for nuclear) -- ALL OF IT.

[@victorthurse6027]

All new apartment buildings should have greenhouses on the top floors. They would make money. The closer we are to our food sources, the less energy we use to get healthier food. Unfortunately, it's the billionaires who have the money to turn things around and they are not investing in the projects that would save us.

[@pussiboos21t]

We're giving the billionaires the money by how we chose to spend. We can change too.

[@victorthurse6027]

@Nunya Business "You haven't seen how man human being eat." - I assume you meant to say how MANY human beings eat BECAUSE of our current systems of food production. Certainly, neither of us is for dismantling these systems, since nobody wants to starve. Improving them by building greenhouses is practical. Here is an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpqxemCAiqunqaM&ab_channel=VentureCity

[@lucysarahbest]

Well said Gail - great that you are representing XR on this programme.

[@RussCR5187]

Capitalism requires never-ending growth in order to remain healthy. Whether such growth is built into the model itself or simply imposed on it by our shared belief of how capitalism has always worked best in the past, the implication is that never-ending extraction of resources is also required. Never-ending extraction on a finite planet is not possible. Question answered.

[@lookingforthemeaning]

No it doesnt

[@lookingforthemeaning]

@Donald McCarthy if we recycle everything we have now and have had. I.e landfills. Adopt a cradle 2 cradle lifestyle an get rid of planned obsolesence. We could end up with an infinit system

[@peaceunion5316]

@Donald McCarthy if corporations are incentivised to compete with 'green' business due to consumer decisions.

[@busynessy798]

#1 "Capitalism" only means an economy where you may have private property of productive capital and free-markets. It does not equate or require "never-ending growth". #2 A constant moderate economic growth is necessary to avoid recession and its consequences (mass unemployment, civil unrest etc). That holds true regardless of economic system. It'd still be true in a socialist economy. It's not a matter of economic system or belief, it's simple arithmetic. #3 The primary sector (which includes agriculture and extraction of natural resources) correspond to a relatively small portion of the GDP (around or less than 10percents) depending on the economic development of a country. Again, it'd still be true in a socialist economy. And it's not a matter of economic system or belief, it's simple arithmetic. #4 Growth is not equivalent to extraction of natural resources. And the relation between growth and pollution is not linear. The tertiary sector (service sector) is the fastest growing and least polluting sector in most developed countries and it would be the fastest shrinking sector if we were to implement "degrowth" policies. #5 Degrowth would do little or nothing for the environment and yet it would cause a permanent recession and permanent mass unemployment and all the ills that comes with it. Degrowth would cause ever diminishing fiscal income for government at the same time that government spending would need to ever increase to cover the increasing social costs of a permanent recession (including mass unemployment). #6 Ever diminishing fiscal income would also diminished and even eliminate any environmental programs a government might have. And again, everything I've wrote here would still be true in a socialist economy. It's not a matter of economic system or belief, it's simple arithmetic.

[@RussCR5187]

@@busynessy798 Thanks for the detailed reply. It's a breath of fresh air. Just a couple of clarifications, please. Regarding #1 and #2, if capitalism "does not equate or require never-ending growth" then how would you characterize your "constant moderate economic growth" that is necessary to avoid recession? Does "constant" not imply never-ending? Regarding #5 and #6, are you aware of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the Job Guarantee proposal that has been put forward by its proponents? If you are aware of MMT, have you rejected it for some reason? I ask because MMT makes it clear that today's governments with monetary sovereignty do not require fiscal income in order to spend; unlike households, they are monopolies with respect to the issuance of their currencies. Of course, they can't just spend without limit. Too much spending can cause undesired inflation. But if there are idle real resources within the economy (such as unemployed or underemployed workers, factories not running up to capacity, and so on), then additional spending, if properly targeted, should not cause an inflation problem.

[@peterjol]

Fighting and protesting against people doing their planet-destroying jobs simply will not stop them, they will fight back to the bitter end to keep their jobs.....they have to be provided with an alternative way of earning their living....We must make it financially worthwhile to share the jobs we NEED people to do and work LESS.

[@peterjol]

@Aaron NoneYa we can only do that by first sharing the work/jobs we NEED people to do and then enjoy working ever increasingly LESS until Robots and automation does it all for us.

[@redstatesaint]

Wow, that was refreshing... If Extinction Rebellion wishes to make a global impact, which I hope they will, they have to reach out to audiences just like this. It is not an us v them. This is about the future of the planet, our universal concern, and we have to resolve this democratically.

[@samuelpaulini]

Bit weird to see anyone today still advocating for car use even if electric as a way for us to transform our dependency on consumption for better.

[@jimferguson31701]

. I am trained as a philosopher not a biologist, or an ecologist or a naturalist. Consequently my view regarding climate change takes a broad overview rather than the view of the specialist. It appears to me that we (humanity) have perhaps ten more years of relatively stable societies in which to live. As the seasons disappear so does agriculture. It seems to me that human civilization is about to collapse. This is a Greek Tragedy. We all know the fates of the actors. We know the innocence of the guilty. The actors do not seem to know their end, while the audience freely watches their fate. Herein the end of the human race. This species with no predator, other than himself, now eats his seed corn as the famine approaches. The trees are dying. The birds are far fewer. The insects are disappearing. And we humans are not and perhaps can not do anything about it. In the story of the Titanic I am reminded of the capton stepping forward fulfilling his duty as the water came rushing in, the old couple who returned to their bed gently holding each other and the band, the band played on. May we play all these roles in our life. May we be found fulfilling our duties, sharing moments of love, and may we express the beauty of this amazing phenomenon: humanity. My heart is filled with sorrow and loss, and with acceptance and forgiveness. Somehow love appears. It is my continuing experience that a life filled with empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance makes for a day of joy. I speak here of acts not of beliefs. I prefer to go extinct loving than to go extinct filled with anger, hate, and greed. For indeed we are soon gone and forgotten. It does seem that all we do amounts to nothing. Good luck in all you do. Absurd? Yes, absurd! ...and the band played on...

[@pennywaters2740]

dear jim ferguson. right there with you, but take it a step further - nature creates and destroys, our creation has been gobbling up everything around us in our attempt to justify our reality, and now we are into the destruction all nature has within itself this cycle of creation and destruction a human life: a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing tis a hard one to watch, but we are such a puny thing, rushing about on a whirling bundle of matter within infinite space

[@supagepagechannel9139]

I do wonder will we be the "generation who did nothing". We should have sort out the Earth's problems decades ago. Su.

[@Wookey.]

I think we are no longer the generation that did 'nothing'. Things are happening at long last, and public opinion is finally understanding just how big a problem we have. We've left it so late that we could still easily be "the generation that failed", but I think we'll manage to get beyond "the generation who did nothing". Now it's a question of did/will we do enough, fast enough - and that's clearly still up for debate. The forces of delay still have a lot of power, but an increasing fraction of the populace is working to make them change course, or have that power removed.

[@davebuchan81]

You wonder this because you are doing nothing. If you join us then your question will change. Action brings hope :)

[@pussiboos21t]

That's up to you. Many of us are doing lots join us and Act Now.

[@supagepagechannel9139]

I agree. I need to be a bit more openminded.

[@Ominousheat]

The first two sentences crack me up. They are so easy to answer. Can capitalism save the planet? NO! It is the very cause of all the present global problems. And is what you do more important than what you believe? Yes! Of course, it is. To suggest anything else is just arrogance.

[@andyshelly3473]

i need this thank you !

[@stephenmills7061]

The main problem is our Cultural Story ,its never been seriously challenged.

[@earthgirl0225]

The girl who makes examples of Germany and Denmark is obviously poorly read on the subject of energy. They 'decarbonized' (which is not even possible within fossil fuel economy but for the sake of argument let's stick to 'decarbonization') their economies at what cost? At the cost of other polluters as China that manufactures nearly 100% of their wind turbines and solar panels. What the hell does it matter if emissions decline in Germany or Denmark or somewhere else when they import nearly all their solar panels from China and export millions of brand new cars around the world? What's the point to admire countries that offset their emissions in the times of a planetary climate emergency? The fact is, the boom in solar and wind hasn’t caused emissions to decline due to the Jevons paradox and the dependence of renewables' production on fossil fuels. In fact, it's quite the opposite-our emissions have increased. You can see declines in localized areas but it’s useless to look at local emissions in a globalized, interconnected economy and in the face of global climate catastrophe we're heading to. Honestly, folks, please do your research first before showing up at a debate and getting applause for the empty beautiful words such as 'decarbonization'.

[@dunklaw]

Physics dictate that electronic cars are a non starter. Where is the power coming from to make them run let alone manufacture them?

[@chrisgriffiths2533]

Hopefully Dr Bradbrook Mellows a Little and Stays Focused on the Plight of Plants and Animals which are on the Path to Extinctions.

[@garrygballard8914]

Bravo Dr. Gradebook 👋

[@jahmah519]

We can talk forever but its what we do that matters.

[@laluba3603]

I wish someone from the "l'go-on-like-before-let-the-market -solve-it" explain how the re going to solve it, within what time framing. And how they look upon how much they will allow it to cost . And if they are comfortable with mass extinction of humans. Also where, and why "global economy" stops being "global" when it comes to cost. How is "economy" going to save who?

[@matthewthomas7824]

Extinction rebellion video 18 now that I've watched. Still waiting for their solution.

[@infinitecuriosity9210]

Decentralized energy is needed

[@NotAnAngryLesbian]

The lessons being lined up for us will be hard.

[@Mike_5]

One of the questions should be 'Where is your SuperGlue?'

[@davidsullivan7208]

You have any diesel cars for sale ? Asking for a friend

[@infinitecuriosity9210]

Let people talk, explain themselves

[@natashaferran420]

Gail needs more recognition for her work. I reckon if Donald Trump was stuck in a room with her for a few hours even he would wake up and smell the Co2

[@mbtrewick69]

The God spoken about by Jesus is a God who seeks the salvation of all people, irrespective of race, nationality or culture. If a belief in God is to be a part of the dialogue going forward, can we start to agree that religion is one of those facets we must leave behind? Nature and the creation is the God and the Logos is in us all, regardless of race, natinality or culture.

[@peaceunion5316]

Religion is there to aid man on the correct conduct of spirit. There's nothing wrong with it. Simply how men ustilise it

[@martinarnold5239]

"I'm with Thatcher and Friedman" What utter fucking shit.

[@martinfeatherstone3508]

Electric cars won't save us, production, bigger carbon footprint than conventional cars.

[@leavemealone4904]

Corporate control is our enemy. Religion also created our way or you will be dammed

[@stephenmills7061]

16 differences between a Highly evolved society and a primitive species such as ours . Conversations With God book 4 Awaken The Species

[@nick000002]

Until population and therefore demand is decreased dramatically the conversation is irrelevant. That is the process that it was mentioned was missing.

[@samuelpaulini]

XR person advocating for Thatcher and Friedman???

[@Wookey.]

Thatcher said very sensible things about climate change, and indeed was pretty much the first world leader to do so.

[@willwalthamforest8706]

Like the tactic of showing that capitalism is broken, even by the standards of its great advocates Smith and Thatcher. I watched the full version and Head of Research at the Adam Smith institute was totally stumped and looked out of his depth. Keep going Gail!

[@anthonydavies6021]

She is an absolute hero she speaks the truth such a refreshing change from Tory BS.

[@drsfamilyfriends3056]

Everytime I see a YT video with Gail I want to stash myself on board a huge sailboat over the pond. Then find my way to the nearest ER event. Find some chalk and start drawing. Get arrested on a bridge by police wearing a red Make Earth Green Again hat... Gail pops by saying, 'I saw your comment on that video, what are you on about you silly git?" I wonder how she could already react to a comment I haven't finished when I realize Gail must be psychic. Thanks to Gail's foray into the psychictroposphere she has touched the essence of everything and is connected to my soul! But how to convey that without looking like a total twit? I ask Gail to pop by again for ESP tea and proceed to finish my comment.... As I am waiting to get my papers signed to leave British incarceration, I look up to see Roger and Gail with a US Ambassador My crime? A huge piece of erotic art explaining how fornicated we all are if we don't act!!! After hours of debriefing and negotiation, it is agreed I will serve five to twenty years, loving and worshipping Gail as the Goddess she clearly is! Amen

[@leavemealone4904]

Indigenous Indians in the USA ?

[@IizUname]

So many bad faith arguments 🙄

[@davidberinger2988]

Can’t hear if everyone speaks at once.

[@dennisbauer3315]

Economy, two states, growing, or collapsing. cant have both, how simple is that.

[@laluba3603]

mixed economi !

[@donavonwayne1102]

That was lamo

[@tirua100]

It would go down better without all the jesus and spirituality rubbish. Stick to the science.

[@invero]

exactly her point: it's not rubbish. It't not science v/s spirituality. One doesn't cancel the other one out.

[@kimwarburton8490]

How do u explain the double slit experiment which has proven repeatedly the observer effect without a jungian universal subconscious? How do u explain religious experiences being the same as taking hallucinogens? How do u explain predictive dreams that come true? Etc etc Im a great lover n advocate of science Recognising that science DOESNT have all the answers, esp in a field which it has refused to explore fully, is my stance. Im openminded to the possibility What you have is dogmatic belief, a religion that theres nothing beyond what science has explored to date Which is really funny considering that dark matter alone accounts for 98% of the universe n we can only measure n observe the 2% which is matter ... the vast space between atoms is akin to our solar system 👍 Edit both usa n russian gov have proven remote viewing to be real We have soooo much untapped potential NLP n hypnosis makes a good entrypoint 👍

[@spartaka213]

:)

[@russwellings9184]

Gail Bradbrook talks but says nothing. No idea, No Plan, No Objective.

[@michaelhudson5287]

dick

[@russwellings9184]

michael hudson Who’s a dick ?

[@russwellings9184]

Donald McCarthy there’s no plan, no idea, no objective just civil disobedience. Get a grip idiot

[@davideddy2672]

Doctor ... like feck!

[@Michael-ot9bk]

I'm one minute in and I know this is going to be entertaining. Let's listen to a bunch of inbreds talk about why the best system on earth is bad. If they want to change it they can work 100+ hours a week like Elon Musk.

[@MacTheDavid]

I’m flabbergasted that she appears to support the inhumane doctrines of Adam Smith and Milton Friedman

[@willwalthamforest8706]

She's spoken about this elsewhere in more detail. She isn't supportive of neoliberalism, but she does think there's reason to believe it's original architects acted in good faith. They genuinely wanted markets to dissolve undemocratic concentrations of power and thought deregulation would bring about a better world. This hasn't happened. Now, those who still subscribe to their doctrines should snap out of the trance and recognise the extent of the neoliberal projects failure. Before it's too late.

[@espenbjerke1905]

sounds alot like a cult

[@chicoterra4000]

Blah ... blah ... blah ... until the end

[@iainrae6159]

Next weeks questions: Did Adam and Eve's children commit incest ? and 'Could Jimmy Saville be in heaven, if he confessed his sins to a priest on his deathbed'? Eminent Islamic scholars and assorted religious fruitcakes will be in the audience to discuss.