Zebra comes strolling out of the dense forest greenery. -Hey, Okapi, are you going to the awards ceremony?
-What award ceremony? Bachmann*? Okapi, who has, for some time now, been eating the little bright red strawberries from between the tall grasses with admirable skill, raises its head leisurely.
-No, Bachmann was already yesterday. I think that was a good decision. A text about language and about concealment...
-Silence? Repression? What this time?
-The memory of the Nazi past, the different people...it's about a memorial and the borders between Austria and Slovenia. The author breaks down the talk about it, analyzes it and at the same time works very poetically.... a special text. But no, it's about some other prize, says Zebra.
-So which one do you mean?
-The Elephant in the Room.
-Oh, I've never heard of that, sounds interesting. Okapi's interest is piqued. Is that with a real elephant?
-No, it's an international prize in the shape of a pretty pink elephant. That's why the name is in English. I think the elephant is even made of porcelain. It looks very nice. Too beautiful, actually, for the price.
-And what's it all about?
-Well, the prize is awarded for something that is kept quiet, ignored or suppressed - so it fits in with the previous topic. It's supposed to be about something very topical. The jury has chosen the heatwave in Europe.
-Who gets an elephant? And why? I ' can't follow you right now.
-There are several award winners this time, including many international news stations. In their reports on the problems of heat in the cities, but also in the countryside, they always fail to mention who the real drivers of climate change are. And that it's not just to do with private transportation with cars or planes, but also a lot to do with how we eat, Zebra explains.
-You think they should address the fact that animal-based agriculture is also a strong driver of climate change?
-Yes, because this type of agro-industrial agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, especially through methane from the animal prisons and nitrous oxide from fertilization. This accelerates climate change. And the first heatwave of this year, which is a result of climate change, is clearly linked to this.
-The phrase “first heatwave” already suggests that more are predicted, Okapi comments dryly. -I understand what you mean. It really is high time to spread this knowledge and explain the connections.
-And instead of the public broadcasters fulfilling their information mandate, the climate crisis is presented as if it were fate. And has absolutely nothing to do with human-made causes. I even suspect that the editors are happily eating a schnitzel in the canteen after the show.
-Horribile dictu. And all this is kept quiet and that's why you get an elephant, recapitulates Okapi. -I see... But I actually think that's mean. You should have to sponsor an elephant instead.
Zebra's critical face brightens. -Yes, that's a good idea, I'll suggest it. That the people who are so ignorant should get involved in an aid project, for example. Either directly with a climate protection project... or an animal sanctuary. And that the media should at least be obliged to report on the connections between lifestyles and the climate crisis.
-This could perhaps help to convey a little sense of connection, muses Okapi. -That's not about punishment, it's actually about opening up a bigger world.
-You said that beautifully, I admire your poetic talent, Zebra teases.
-Thank you.
-Okay, are you coming with me now? I think they give this award as a reminder to take action. To let them know that everybody can do something!
-Yes, I'm coming with you, I want to see the elephant, how big is it?
-It's not that big, but it's cute. You'll like it.
*The "Bachmannpreis" is a literary award for German speaking literature. The contest is held in Klagenfurt, Austria, each year. Natascha Gangl is the winner in 2025.
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/02/new-model-explores-link-animal-agriculture-climate-change
Thanks very much. Sometimes the world anyway does entirely behave as in this little movie clip of a basketball team playing and the students are asked to count the ball contacts of the white team. During the play a Gorilla passes across the field and at the end of the experiment the students are asked whether they niticed sth unusual during the game. Guess how the answer ratios were. Have a good day.
great article!!!!!