# Occupy Rooftops Seeks to Start a Community Solar Revolution

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/occupy-rooftops-seeks-to-start-a-community-solar-revolution/
- Published: 2011-11-21T23:25:10-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

As we’ve pointed out a number of times already, there are myriad links between the
Occupy Wall Street movement, initiatives like Occupy Rooftops, and modern environmentalism.
Both share common roots in their critiques of economic disparity and corporate influence.
Both movements advocate for social justice.

For example, some activists have adopted actions like Occupy Rooftops to draw attention
to environmental and economic injustice. They seek to address the systemic issues
that contribute to environmental degradation and inequality.

The Occupy Wall Street movement highlighted the alarming concentration of wealth
in the hands of a few. This concentration often [leads](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/lead-water-pipes-threatening-illinois-communities/)
to the exploitation of natural resources and marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, environmentalists emphasize the urgent need for [sustainable practices that protect our planet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/invest-in-our-planet-for-a-sustainable-future/)
for future generations. By intersecting these causes, activists from both arenas
aim to forge a holistic approach.

This approach not only fights for economic reforms but also combats [climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/wildlife-works-delivers-worlds-first-verified-carbon-standard-redd-mega-project-in-kenya/)
and advocates for a more equitable and sustainable society.

The biggest and most obvious is that our energy supply is largely controlled by 
the 1%. Also, fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil and Koch Industries are among
the largest and most profitable in the [nation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/ammonium-nitrate-used-by-coal-companies-to-blow-up-mountains-for-coal-that-started-west-texas-explosion/).
Moreover, they exert their influence over the political process to deprive the 99%
of something we all want. That is, clean, secure energy.

![A diverse group of people gathered outdoors near solar panels raising their hands
and flags in support of renewable energy Occupy rooftops](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/image-61-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image-
The Green Living Guy")

Activists rally on a rooftop advocating for renewable energy and social justice 
with solar panels in the foreground

## Occupy Rooftops

These companies dedicate vast resources to keep [renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/green-mountain-energy-company-launches-sun-clubsm-in-new-york-for-a-brighter-tomorrow/)
down in a number of ways. First, they use a legion of lobbyists to push Washington
to oppose [carbon pricing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/canadian-business-environment-indigenous-labour-plus-youth-leaders-support-carbon-pricing-action-with-clean-competitiveness/)
policies and limit tax breaks to renewable energy. At the same time, they keep their
own generous subsidies in place. (Remember, Exxon spends more on lobbying than the
entire domestic [clean energy industry](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/obama-administration-launches-investigation-into-chinas-illegal-subsidies-for-solar-clean-energy-industries/)
combined.) Second, they mobilize opposition to clean energy policies by funding 
various front groups like Americans For Prosperity. Furthermore, they finance the
campaigns of politicians that can be counted on to vote against measures. These 
measures would level the [playing field for clean energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/energy-upgrade-california-play-your-part-and-win/).

By: Brian Merchant for Treehugger.com
[Business / Green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/epa-green-power-partners-top-50-organizations/)
InvestmentsNovember 14, 2011 For the entire story on Treehugger, please visit [http://www.treehugger.com](http://www.treehugger.com)/
green-investments/occupy-rooftops-seeks-start-community-solar-revolution.htmlThanks
also to the yahoo ET List for emailing the article!!

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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