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