WTF! Toward a Livable Planet

In this disorienting and depressing moment, I want to scream. Generational progress, if imperfect, has been replaced by an all-destroying epic mafia logic where corruption and personal loyalty are held above all else, enforced by bullying, arbitrary action, moral degradation, and lawlessness. It is shocking and immobilizing. Programs that a few months ago were driving climate and ecological progress, health services, global diplomacy, and civil and consumer rights are being bludgeoned with predatory glee as we all bear witness. Cruelty is the goal. As with our growing climate disasters, no one is safe.

The DNA of the Passive House community has challenged the building industry status quo to improve our climate, environment, communities, and people’s health and security – worldwide – by reliably producing healthy, resilient, energy-efficient Passive House buildings. But it’s not enough.

The Passive House Network recognized this after the murder of George Floyd. We recognized that the Passive House fight must also challenge the culture that produces the building industry status quo. Our cultural system not only supports poor building practices but hateful bigotry, gross inequality, and injustice. And incredibly, we might call that system “the good old days,” as our imperfect democracy is being drowned in the bathtub by mobsters.

While the outcome of this autocratic spasm is uncertain, fighting as if we could lose it all makes sense. The threat is real. Consider Autocracy, Inc. by Anne Applebaum and the global network of lawless governments that are ready to support our own. And see inside the destructive methods now being supercharged in Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen.

If we are committed to a livable planet, we must commit to preserving the meaning of our language and laws that make everything possible. It is all connected.

People often look at Passive House and at first think, “That’s risky!” but then come to realize that not doing Passive House is riskier. Today, public inaction is riskier than action.

Let’s be active and participate in your local community, our Passive House community, and with groups like Indivisible. Speak out. Don’t be silent. See if any of Gene Sharp’s 198 methods of nonviolent action inspire you. Join a Stand Up for Science march near you. Maybe even scream. Review Timothy Snyder’s 20 Lessons on Fighting Tyranny.

Be safe. Take risks. We all have a part to play.

Sincerely,

Ken Levenson, Executive Director