America should practise what it preaches on consumerism

The Americans went out on the streets, protesting against Trump’s anti-climate change policies last Saturday. I am glad they are protesting. The Guardian, reporting this, quoted two Americans. One of them said he was fed up. The point is, so are we — fed up of America’s overconsumerism.

It is no point being outraged, as the Americans are, without making sacrifices. Mind you, I am not saying that only the protesters should make sacrifices. I think all but the poorest Americans should. They have to stop using so much water, unless it is harvested on their own ground.

They have to stop driving so much, and stop using so much electricity.

The day Macy’s lights up during Christmas by 70% less, powered by solar, is the day when the march would mean something.

Personally, I find even living in most parts of so-called green California quite consumptive, because you need to drive for miles around to get anywhere from several towns. How does a march help if they plan to live like this? The Guardian also quoted that both the Americans were horrified at what was happening to their seas, their children.

As an Indian, I feel deeply irritated at such narrow and rather selfish perspectives.

Yes, our local experiences pushes us, but can the Americans, even those busy marching against Trump, please take a moment to see how savagely climate changes — something they have had a huge role in - is impacting the rest of the developing world too.