For those of us concerned about climate change, the knowledge of what we humans have done to our planet can be overwhelming. When we truly understand the peril we, in the fossil-fuel addicted industrialized nations, have inflicted on the rest of humanity and other innocent species, the guilt and sadness can be paralyzing; despair sometimes seems like an option. It’s not, as I was reminded at the conference I’m attending this weekend, because like denial at the opposite end of the spectrum, it leads to inaction. And what the world needs NOW – not in 5 or 10 years, but right now – is people who are prepared to make changes in the way they live and to spread the word about why all of us need to become engaged in this issue. The changes that we need to make to wean ourselves off fossil fuels are dramatic and sweeping. Daunting though the shift is, it can be done. If you need convincing or encouragement, check out “Did You Know” by American educator Karl Fisch, who prepared it to inspire the staff at his high school.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY]
And, with a nod to my roots, here’s a “Winnipeg remix”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXbBVY5aZ-I]
Click here to go to Karl Fisch’s website,or here for a Wikispace page with more info.
I couldn’t agree now; and am personally uninterested in the “debate”.
The nesxt blog I hope to have up early next week addresses the need for adaptation to a changing climate (mostly agricultural), the void left in the wake of fossil fuel depletion (energy and fertilizers) and what gets very little air – the increasing acidification of our oceans.
I’ve been thinking recently of potentially holding public lectures on a lot of this hopefully providing pratical information, excellent case studies (I work in a landscape science group aimed to work with the agricultural sector to be more adaptive, so I’ve got a few resouces there and I now live semi rural) and practical ideas to help build true community and reduce personal impact, but I’m unsure if it’s a good idea :-/
But you’re right; I think it’s up to those who have the knowledge, experience and/or drive to add to helping humanity achieve increased sustainability.
Tim
Hi Tim –
It sounds like you are considering some important initiatives – I encourage you to blog (if you have the time and the passion) on practical ways to address climate change in the agriculture sector. Community building as well as making changes ourselves is going to be our way out of this predicament.
As for ocean acidification, have you heard about “Seasick”, a book recently published about that topic by a Canadian journalist, Alanna Mitchell? She spoke compellingly at the conference that I just attended about this alarming situation.
Cheers.
Hey,
The blog I should be submitting later today was much longer (I tend to have trouble keeping it under 1500 words), so I’ll brake it up, the first is on my fears of our future, and the larger issues regarding sustainability and the next should outline some ideas (my own and others) that may help at a local scale (which should give room to a snowball effect if successful).
No, I’ve not heard of Seasick; but it’s now on my growing list! 🙂 The 3 references I’ve found so far that are really good on the situation of the ocean are; http://www.climateshifts.org/ http://www.planktos-science.com/ and http://agwobserver.wordpress.com/
Whatever issue you look at, whether it’s land clearing, water management, climate change and the inaction to develop and adapt, pollution (land, water, air), impractical/unsustainable farming, developed country’s inaction to assist developing country’s to avoid the requirement bush meat and deforestation, acidification of oceans.. the list goes on.. you can’t help but bulk when you get back to work on a monday morning and almost everyone drives, 1 person per 4 to 8 cylinders, some burning natural gas (burning up fuel for fertilisers), every light is one, it’s hot, but people turn on the air conditions rather than open a window etc etc etc.. it’s alarming indeed – especially when such people should know better.
We are a long way from even targeting the necessary goals to ensure future generations have much biota to enjoy and living along side as part of a healthy ecosystem.
Cheers
Tim