The ethics of climate generosity and the “Median Commons”: An experimental future within complexity

Government and business are not solving the problems of climate change or ecological destruction. Indeed, they seem implicated in them through the politics of neoliberalism. This paper is an essay on applied philosophy, attending to a case study of the organisation Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE), in the Bega region of NSW, and their use of “climate generosity” to make a local impact. This generosity operates by gifting solar panels to public buildings, and contributing to a new ethics. The paper explores how climate generosity can work with the complex systems of the world and contrasts with: a) neoliberal ethics and politics; b) ‘restricted property;’ and c) climate justice, to open new pathways. Climate generosity suggests a way of building relationships, habits, and new modes of operating which are more in tune with futures we need to develop for 'civilization' to survive. • The energy transition is not happening quickly enough. • Neoliberal Markets, Developmentalism and Climate Justice have not worked. • ‘Climate generosity’ may help, this process. • ‘Climate generosity’ is studied through Clean Energy for Eternity in Bega Australia. • Similar movements could help generate support for energy transitions.