I read things like “70% of emissions are by large energy companies”. It often seems to be followed by claims that individual action is insignificant.
The logic seems off because if everyone stopped buying from those companies, then the emissions would be gone. Or in effect, buying from those companies buys you a share of the emissions.
Is there a good breakdown of the emissions? What percent is attributable to the consumer? Am I missing something?
What happens if you personally, or your household, stop using harmful energy sources? Nothing.
What happens if you organize enough people to stop using those resources? Like an entire town? Well, look at Reddit: if it looks like a finite demonstration, then the companies can completely ignore it and all will return to normal. If it’s an indefinite boycott, the companies can put a choke hold on the demonstrators until they capitulate. Then all will return to normal.
If the movement is less a demonstration than a lifestyle change from necessity? For that, look at the working and spending habits of two generations, and the billionaire-owned media companies that talk about them. Someone will spin it until the little guy is the bad guy, no matter how ridiculous it is on its face.
No, the people in power want us to play by their rules because they know as long as we do, they will win. We can’t just take them out of power, we must remove that power from existence.