Does Egypt hold any lessons for climate hawks?

February 12, 2011

And above all, we saw a new generation emerge — a generation that uses their own creativity and talent and technology to call for a government that represented their hopes and not their fears, a government that is responsive to their boundless aspirations.

… it was the moral force of non-violence….

That’s Obama speaking Friday.  I’ve been asked by a couple of ClimateProgress regulars if there are any lessons for climate hawks in the incredible Egyptian revolution.

For instance, the 25-year-old Ian of “What should Ian do with his life?” fame asks

I’m just wondering if you think it would be worth discussing Egypt in the thread this weekend. I could be very wrong but it seems like it might give people hope to change things here in the states. Maybe its possible to focus some of that energy into grassroots efforts on climate change. Huge, sustained, passionate rallies seem like they work now. Is that possible in regards to action on climate change?

Of course, the Egyptians were suffering under a repressive regime for decades, one that had taken away their basic human rights and horribly mismanaged the economy.  It’s much easier to motivate collective action around that than, say, avoiding future misery for billions of people, even if that action also has an unquestionable moral force.

Still, I ask you:  Does Egypt hold lessons for climate hawks?

Related Post:

• Weekend open thread: How can we create a grassroots climate and clean energy movement?