In episode Episode 9, Quaker activist Eileen Flannagan told us about four roles change agents can play. Advocate, Rebel, Organizer, and Helper. Most of you who listen to Citizens Climate Radio are advocates volunteering your time trying to convince the public and members of congress that we need a price on carbon. You approach congressional members and staff with respect and cordiality as you educate and persuade them to support climate solutions. 

And the rebel? The rebel exists to put pressure on those lawmakers to get them to act. 

This doesn’t mean we all need to use these rebel tactics. 

As Bayard Rustin, the Black Gay Civile Rights leader said,

“We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.”

In this episode you will hear about UK-based climate change rebel, Caroline Harmon and the non-violent and very disruptive direct actions she and Christian Climate Action use. From kneeling for prayer and halting traffic in front of the Prime Ministers’s residence at 10 Downing Street to holding a worship service outside a coal. They even helped shut down bridges all over London.

From a Christian Pentecostal background, as a child she thought, “For God so loved the world…” a famous passage from John 3:16 meant that God loved the people so much so he sent his sons to save them. As a young adult though someone challenged her to think more expansively. God loves ALL the world including all of the living things on it and the rocks, air, and water. That inspired her to lower her carbon footprint, write letters to members of Parliament, lobby large companies, and contribute to awareness campaigns. For Caroline and some other fellow Christians, that was just not enough. 

Hearing Caroline’s story will affirm you in your own climate work while giving you greater appreciation for rebel activists who are playing a vital part that will help us as we seek to have a seat at the table with decision makers. 

You can hear and read about personal stories of Christian Climate Action activists in action and talking about why they do what they do, the successes they have had, and what they hope to change. 

The Art House

Regular listeners know we feature artists who are using their art to explore climate change. This is an emerging field. Some artists are grappling with just how to integrate climate work into their works of art. Today we feature Sophie and Josies Davis, sisters who grew up on the Coast of Maine who after studying classical violin at conservatory, they are back in Maine.  They seek to fuse their love of music and the natural world along with their growing concern for climate change. 

Founding members of Halcyon String Quartet based in Maine, USA, they choose to be good citizens as they remain faithful to their art. In speaking with them, we identified six principles for artists addressing climate change might find helpful. 

Know your Stuff (both your craft as an artist and essentials of climate change messaging.)

Think Locally

Pursue Collaboration (To date Halcyon String Quartets most successful collaboration was with visual artist Jill Pelto.)

Pivot to Solutions (Focus less on the many horrible impacts of climate change and instead help your audience experience the future with the beneficial impacts of climate solutions in place.)

Promote Action (As Katie Patricks, the author of the book and podcast How to Save the World stressed for us on Citizens Climate Radio episode 61—Artists and event organizers have to find ways to offer people the next meaningful step for themselves and their communities. 

Remain Faithful to the Art (Halcyon seeks to straddle the balance between the old time favorites audiences love and new music, music by Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Excellence is the art is essential as they seek to help the public engage in good art and effective climate change discourse.)

About Sophie and Josie

Sophie received degrees in violin performance and environmental studies from Oberlin College