Mike Cobb recently organized a benefit concert at a bar in Brooklyn, NY to fundraise for Greenpeace — and it was awesome! They had comedy, dance, and lots of live music. Greenpeace staff based in New York came out and talked to guests about one of our priority campaigns to tackle plastic pollution, and folks were generous enough to donate almost $700! Huge round of applause to everyone who performed and donated – thank you! – and a special thanks to Mike for taking initiative and organizing this show from scratch! Let’s hear more about the man behind the activist.
Tell me a little about you! Where are you from? What are your hobbies and passions?
I’m originally from Norfolk, CT. My hobbies include music, art, photography, travel, writing, reading, food/cooking, & getting to know different countries and cultures.
How did you first begin to care about the environment?
I grew up in rural Connecticut surrounded by lots of nature. My parents used to take me on walks in the woods and really helped cultivate a love and understanding of nature. I also attended my mom’s Montessori school, which has an emphasis on global education and understanding the natural world. At age 7, I went on a whale watching trip off the coast of Massachusetts. We saw a family of humpback whales which were amazingly friendly and playful, coming right up to the boat, waving at us with their flippers, breaching, and spraying us with water. It was incredible! I clearly remember the Save the Whales campaign of the 70’s. From ages 11-16 I went to a wilderness camp in the deep backwoods of Maine where I’d see an average of 12 moose per summer, + deer, bear, loons, and more. At age 18 I did an Outward Bound course in the Joshua Tree Park in southern California, and later attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, taking many trips into the wilderness. Collectively, these experiences had a huge impact on me and fostered a deep love and respect for the environment.
What environmental issues are you most concerned about? Why?
I’m concerned about anything related to the environment, but fracking seems like a particularly insane form of ecocide. Perhaps most concerning is people’s lack of realization that the “environment” is not some abstract thing you can neglect or abuse but rather the very world we depend on for life. There seems to be a huge disconnect between modern modes of consumerism and these simple truths. Capitalism has a lot to do with it, but it’s tough because we all buy stuff, and every choice has an impact. Awareness and education is key.
How do you combine your passion and talent for music with environmental advocacy?
I’ve written songs, poems, and articles dealing with themes of environmental advocacy. I’m also an avid photographer and often focus on natural beauty. I try to take things a step further with fundraising concerts such as the Resist series; I’ve also done benefit shows for the ACLU, All Hands Volunteers, and for various charities to help victims of climate change. Last fall we did a big one for Houston after hurricane Harvey.
Here’s the poster from Mike’s recent benefit show! Sounds fun, right?
How did you first get involved as a Greenpeace supporter?
With the awful assault on the environment under the current administration, I felt compelled to action, so I took it upon myself to reach out to Greenpeace about putting on benefit shows. I know so many talented, caring creatives, not just musicians but also comedians, dancers, artists, graphic designers, videographers, journalists; people who want to make a difference in this world. I’m good at organizing, so I contacted them and quickly found that there was a tremendous enthusiasm about being involved. The news can be so depressing these days, people feel frustrated and downtrodden, but there is also a strong desire to do something about it. It’s my aim to help bring people together to work towards progressive goals.
I’m particularly interested in the exponential potential of social media as related to social movements. If we can connect and unify, we could achieve so much more. I’m also interested in problems of scale. How do we grow a movement involving 100’s to a movement involving millions?
Your Greenwire profile says you are bilingual in English/Spanish. Does this play a role in your environmental activism?
Yes, I am bilingual in English/Spanish. I lived in Spain for 5 years, taught ESL & Spanish for 25+ years, am married to a Spaniard, and return to Spain 1-2 times per year, which keeps my Spanish up to date. I began my teaching career by helping Hispanic migrant workers prepare to take the G.E.D. test in Spanish. From that I learned about issues of immigration, agriculture, and the environment, which are all intertwined. I have not yet directly incorporated this into my environmental activism but plan to! There are always so many factors to consider, and it can be challenging to hit all the right notes. But this question is a great reminder!
If you could solve one environmental issue tomorrow, what would it be?
End fossil fuel extraction and move definitively toward renewable energy sources! But this is of course tied up with our socioeconomic and political relationships with nature. We need to rethink our relationship with nature and transition from one of exploitation to one of harmony. For those who say it can’t be done, there are plenty of examples that show that it can. Costa Rica, Hawaii, Holland, Germany, Scandinavia seem to be model countries where progressive environmental policies are implemented successfully. We have to try because the current trajectory is unsustainable, and there truly is no planet B!
What advice would you give people who need inspiration to take action?
Know that you are not alone! Realize that like you, most folks want a high quality of life, which includes having a clean environment. If you feel alone, reach out via social media, join an organization or movement supporting progressive causes that you care about. Put the word out, you’ll be amazed how you can connect with others who want to help too! Don’t waste your time on naysayers, those who drag you down. Surround yourself with like-minded people who elevate you. But also challenge yourself by finding ways to connect with those who might have opposing views. To that point, look for common ground and see if you can build from there. I know it’s particularly challenging these days. Finally, remember that all great movements began as an idea. Sometimes all it takes is a spark. YOU can be a catalyst for change!
Let’s hear it for Mike Cobb, everyone! Check out his website to stay tuned for upcoming RESIST shows!
