"Backing Off "

So we have finally entered the "hope" part in this text. McKibben continues on his theme concerning the dangers of growth and what we can do to fix this. What I love about this chapter, is it more than just solutions. McKibben really tries to connect with the skeptics of climate change. Given that a skeptic is reading this book, McKibben does not suggest that we all live off the grid or the states secede the Union but gives them of examples of what others have done. The most notable examples I read were that of Vermont and the little town in Massachusetts.

Communal living among Villages in African countries

Co housing in European countries

Both states show a way to live communally which is McKibben's point in this chapter, how different would society, especially growth oriented societies behave if we increased national pride in our communities. Not the, perfect lawns and identical house living but where you actually knew your member and get this....actually shared things. Communal living is not a new not even to the United States but it is practiced in several other countries such as Denmark or third world countries where it is a form of survival.

While reading this, I began to ask myself why is it to some that being more successful means we need to reduce our dependency on each other?Or why sharing things among ourselves is a sign of underdevelopment? It seems like a practical way of living and increases the efficiency of distribution of living. For most people who aren't used to that type of living, for example people in the United States, start with communal dinners or just share a bag of sugar. See how it goes 😃