(2600 words)
[Updated: April 8]
A few days ago near a street corner that I pass frequently, I saw these words:
“DECLARE EMERGENCY!”
It was on a sticker adhered to a light-post or the like.
For completeness’ sake, let me quote the full text:
“Scared to death of the Climate Emergency? — We have a plan. — DECLARE EMERGENCY!”
A white skull was in the middle of the sticker, on a black background. The skull’s inclusion creates a visual pun on the phrase “scared to death.” The skull also suggests that the climate crisis will lead to mass death. I think they do intend to mean literal deaths rather than “death” as metaphor. That can be prevented if an “emergency” is declared according to the unspecified “plan.”
Of boldness, this “Declare Emergency!” campaign lacks not. The downside: it sounds shrill. Either way, the stickers have gone up, have stayed up a few days at least, maybe a week, and no doubt have been seen by some thousands in passing. I’ve seen three or four of them, and that’s without looking very hard.
An investigation: