Note to self: add Monbiot to must read list
29 11 2006I was just finishing for the night, when I skipped through to WordPress’s Tag Surfer - which shows the latest posts on subjects in which you are interesteded.
Top of the list was The Monbiot plan on global warming, on the Relentlessly Progressive Economics blog.
I’ve come across Monbiot before, three or more years ago when I used to buy newspapers, including the Guardian, and have had his recent books recommended to me by readers of this blog.
But, I’ve never got around to reading Monbiot because he always seems like one of those comfortable, middle-class environmentalist types who preach “save the earth” while living in a draughty, poorly insulated but rather lovely Georgian townhouse in London, driving a new car, enjoying imported exotic foods (”but they’re organic, dear”), holidaying in far-flung unspoiled locations (”but I cycle to work”) and enjoying the warm glow of coal in their fashionable open fire place.
Much like the rock and film stars who spout mystic green bollocks about saving the planet, and then hopping aboard their private jet to swan off to their next gig.
Excuse me while I retch!
Anyway, back to Monbiot. I had a quick glance through the post on Relentlessly Progressive Economics and I have confess that their summary of his position looks intriguing.
So, I’ll read it in more detail when I’m less tired and will add Monbiot to my wish list of authors. I’ll probably have to wait until his books start appearing in charity shops, by when it will be too late to be relevant, but the intent is there!
Re-reading this today, I have to confess to basing my description of middle-class British environmentalists on the ones I used to see visiting the BBC Television Centre at Shepherds Bush in London. Despite there being buses to the door and a tube station opposite, it was amazing how many “environmentalists” needed to find somewhere to park their car or wanted a taxi called for them.
And they seemed to spend as much of their time “working” the party and events circuit as any politician, celebrity, media personality, lobbyist or any other member of the freeloaders’ club.
Of course, we can’t all retreat to the hills but I did (and still do) detect a strong whiff of hypocrisy from many of them.