As I reflect on this incident, I’m struck by the disparity between the corporate narrative of progress and the lived realities of those affected. Residents forced to evacuate or shelter in place are bearing the brunt of a problem they had little say in creating. Meanwhile, companies like Vistra Energy profit from contracts with utilities like PG&E, even as questions about safety remain unanswered.

Environmental toxins are another growing concern, with studies connecting exposure to substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals to elevated cancer risks. These toxins, often found in everyday items such as food packaging, cleaning products, and even water supplies, include carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that can alter cellular functions and contribute to tumor development. Combined, these factors highlight the pressing need for regulatory reforms and increased public awareness to mitigate exposure and improve long-term health outcomes.

While technology offers incredible opportunities for connection and information sharing, it also presents a significant challenge for social and political movements: how to mobilize people when their attention is constantly being captured by the digital world? There are a lot of reasons we all need collective action at this time and it’s time to acknowledge the new realities in which we seek to organize.

This isn't about demonizing technology. It's about acknowledging the reality of our digital age and finding ways to navigate its challenges. Here are a few strategies for mobilizing collective action in a world increasingly dominated by screens