Salmon, Orkas and Dams: Pondering Rivers and Hope in the Pacific Northwest

I have only begun to read about the tradition of energy activism in the U.S. and Canada Pacific Northwest. It is an inspiring legacy of more than 25 years. The initiative that has evolved into the Northwest Energy Coalition tells its story in a special issue of its Newsletter: The Energy Activist.

I believe you will find it a really interesting read.

http://www.nwenergy.org/publications/energy-activist/previous-issues/2007/ActivistWinter07.pdf


On a more current perspective, activist Pat Ford recounts the need for integrative understanding in the issue of dams as an energy solution, versus the viability of the Snake River salmon and the orcas that depend on them. With compelling words, he calls for an integrative second-tier view, that recognizes multiple perspectives, and mourns the poverty in both our institutions and social movements that cannot recognize the need for inter-woven vision.


"I have an instinct that to achieve either we must achieve both – that stopping warming, and shepherding ourselves and earth through it, must be inextricable in our actions and policies because they are so in our lives. I don’t think this is a truism. Neither among global warming warriors nor citizens generally nor lawmakers do I detect a rooted awareness of this inter-weaving, so as to generate well-woven action."

Here is the full article for your enjoyment

http://www.lightintheriver.org/perspectives.html