Choices Quote by Noam Chomsky
“We should certainly not be perpetuating further harm to others or to the environment. Suppose that workers at ExxonMobil are trying to unionize. We have two choices: to help them improve their lives, or to keep away so that their lives will be worse. Neither choice has any effect on use of fossil fuels. So radical organizers can both help them unionize and improve their lives, and convince them to find a different way to survive and work for ending the use of fossil fuels.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Labor and Climate, 2023
The speaker argues that supporting workers’ rights can coexist with climate activism, urging systemic change rather than false choices.
In simple terms: Helping workers and fighting climate change can happen together.
Key Takeaway
Combine labor solidarity with environmental action.
Themes
solidarity
environment
justice
Mood
urgent
hopeful
Type
activist
political
When to use this quote
- union organizing
- climate protests
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Intersectionality
systemic change
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we design economies that serve both workers and the planet?
- What barriers prevent joint labor‑climate movements?
A Different Perspective
Choosing one cause over the other is a false dilemma.
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