I read this news article in The Atlantic this morning noting how Florida Governor Rob DeSantis, who does not have the best record on environmental action and climate change policy, has unveiled a new set of measures to protect the state’s water sources. The article goes on to argue that water is the “one” issue that even traditionally climate action-averse Republican governors cannot avoid. That prompted me to reflect on what is rhetorically distinctive about water insecurity that prompts widespread action. Here are my musings…
Why are Red State governors like @RonDeSantisFL suddenly singing a different tune to water security and conservation, after decades of rampant climate denial? https://t.co/n2ZtjhmqSL Here’s my two (ok, maybe more) cents. 1/start
— Rahul Mitra (@rahulmitra) January 30, 2019
At the same time, there’s a caveat: as big a problem water insecurity is, and no matter how much ordinary people and policymakers are enthused to address it, it often ends up butting heads with racist and classist ideologies that blind people to their own privilege and prevent them from taking meaningful action. Our project on the Detroit Water Stories is a prime example of this. That is why accountability is key, and a crucial “sub-thread.”
Also, as an aside, I want to emphasize that being pragmatic in a BIG-TENT does NOT mean abandoning the dogged pursuit of accountability! Community activists have a HUGE role to play here, because it’s their pressure and spotlight that keeps government and business honest!
— Rahul Mitra (@rahulmitra) January 30, 2019
Rahul Mitra 