On Fire combines a dire environmental backdrop that underscores why the book is important to read, truth-to-power statements about which political parties and multinational corporations are at fault, and a seam of hope that makes you feel empowered and inspires you to get active in the climate fight.
J.B. MacKinnon speculates about what would happen in the real world if everyone suddenly stopped their unsustainable shopping.
Since Covid lockdown and quarantines were just a few years ago and as it’s still easy to remember how quickly nature rebounds with wonderous birdsong, clear canal water, and incredible blue skies, MacKinnon’s speculations are easy to visualize
There is a growing body of research that points towards a more plant-based diet being good for 1. your personal health, and 2. reducing your environmental impact. Besides, it’s undeniable that abstaining from eating meat and dairy will reduce the number of animals that suffer unnecessarily.
How often do you get to do three good things with one simple action?
Let’s brush aside the altruistic reasons for protecting the environment because though noble, I don’t think they affect everyone the same way.
To me, the most poignant argument is that we should protect the environment because it is us, the humans, who have the most to lose.