Surfing the Apocalypse, Part 3: Biggest Emitters

For this episode, Karissa and Phillip look at the big picture of what and who the biggest greenhouse gas emitters are so that we can position ourselves to most effectively target our climate activism, which we will discuss further in Part 4 as we bring it back through the local lens. We discuss biggest emitters by institution, sector, nation, and class, beginning with revealing the top institutional polluter in the world: the US military. We look at the bipartisan consensus that exists to allow the US war machine to rage on with impunity and to continue increasing funding year after year, as well as the disturbing lack of prioritization the climate movement gives this life-destroying mass consumer of fossil fuels. Next, we look at the top two emitters by sector. Some may know that fossil fuels from the energy sector are number one but may be unfamiliar with the widespread rapid deforestation and methane emissions associated with the animal agriculture industry that is the second-most source of global GHG emissions, and something we theoretically could stop tomorrow if we boycotted that industry. Additionally, Karissa tells a related story about the Colorado River, beef, and water use in Arizona that keeps her up at night! Next, we talk about carbon inequality among nations and most importantly, by class. Studies show us the jaw-dropping disparity in emissions between the billionaire class and the rest of us, and we make the case that going after the capitalist class IS climate activism based on this information. We talk the disgusting and obscene high emissions behaviors of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, as well as certain wealthy celebrities, who some continue to idolize and carry water for despite them being absolute, unequivocal climate criminals. So, now that we’ve laid the groundwork analyzing the worst offenders threatening the Earth and all its inhabitants, we will be ready to analyze and rank tactics to most effectively upend the system on Part 4, the final episode of the “Surfing the Apocalypse” series! (Photo Credit: Amelia Bates, "The US Air Force Want to Burn Toxic Military Waste on a Beach in Guam." from Grist)