Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Between Hope and Despair on Climate Change


HOPE OR DESPAIR re. THE WAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE

        On Facebook there are dozens of my 'friends' commenting on the forest fires here in North America and around the world. Only a very few have mentioned Climate Change. None have suggested that anything can be done. Pray and worry seem to be the only options.
     Yet, rarely does a day go by without an article appearing in our newspapers about the 'war' on Climate Change. The bad news is, we are not really 'at war' at all against climate change. Our governments in Canada and certainly not in the U.S. Have taken it seriously. It may be seen as a small problem, but a long way from a War. I know of only one or two of my friends who are living any differently because of our situation. And none of them are connected, doing their 'own thing' in isolation, as usual, ignoring the reality that only in acting with others do we have a chance.
      The good news is, however, the same fact: we haven't yet declared WAR on Climate Change. We, the People, haven't done a thing. We chose to elect governments that do nothing, nothing that will make or allow us to really change. In fact, we fully admit and even pride ourselves in NOT changing. How is this 'Good News'? Small improvements have still been made. Just imagine what could be done if we really DO declare War?
       Yes, the developing worlds is still increasing it's using coal. But we've seen how much can be done by looking at some of the European nations. Yes, they have many advantages, but we can find hope in them. Maybe 'War' will be catchy. Maybe we more wealthy nations can begin to actually help the others instead of allowing fear to guide us.
       There is a chance, however small, that we will stop 'playing our fiddles as usual', as did Nero, as he watched Rome burn, and start to really DO things. Maybe the forest fires will light some sanity. Perhaps we will answer the call to War. I doubt it, but I must continue to urge myself and others to change in ways that will allow for a better future.
        I simply don't spend any more of my time and energy on those who continue to deny our crisis. The good news is that it will take only a small number to make a difference if we start to really DO things that make a change. That is why I write. That is why I bother you. That is what makes me laugh and gives me hope. Even with smoke in the air.
        Are you really doing something? What? Will you share it with me and others? I'm sharing all I do in blog, my books and on line, as my old-school talents allow. Please, do the same. If we don't help each other, at least by staying in contact and in support, there is no way that we will keep up our strength and joy. Please, help me!
       Thanks so much.
       Anthony Gifford