In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, reported:

To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people, States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption….

Sixteen years have passed and our nation-state has done little on this front.  But the good news is that reducing, even eliminating, inefficient energy use and consumption of resources is something that can — and indeed, must — be the responsibility of individuals and households.  The key, though, is to work in supportive, problem-solving teams.

Later this month, I’ll convene a group, based in Brooklyn, to take the Low Carbon Diet challenge. We’ll support each other as we work toward our commitment to reduce each household’s annual emissions by 5,000 pounds of carbon. (And if you’re already recycling or driving a Prius, you can’t count those as reductions.)

Now, that is no small amount — but this is no small problem. Two years ago, Jim Henson, the NASA scientist that was “muzzled” by the Bush Administration for his straight talk, said, “I think we have a very brief window of opportunity to deal with climate change … no longer than a decade, at the most.”

The diet builds on the power of social ingenuity (group problem-solving), as well as Malcolm Gladwell’s theory that if a segment of the population (roughly 20%) adopt a behavior, it will reach a tipping point and spread to the masses.  City and even federal governments have thrown their support behind the diet.  Portland went on it, to much success.  Australia is rolling it out.

Tonight, after a lecture on the diet, I said, “I’d love to do it. But I live in Brooklyn. I can’t compost. I can’t control my hot water heater or the source of my energy.  I already eat local and organic.  How much can I really reduce?”  My teacher, a man named Nathaniel Chamy, said, “It can be done.  Even in a city like New York.  That is why you will form a group.  Together you’ll find new ways, ways that aren’t even in the LCD book.”

It looks like I’ll be composting after all!

If anyone are interested in joining — even if you live far away (you can meet with us via webcam, etc.) — please email me at 2050adblog(at)gmail.com.

And for everyone else, stay tuned!  I’ll keep you updated with videos of the diet — and it’s not going to be easy.  There are going to be fights, complaints, and privations.  There are going to be 5-minute showers.

This may be the best reality TV not on TV.