Inspiration to Radical Change
Every one of us has an incredible opportunity to help our planet restore itself. Small acts can lead to big changes. However, we are- as George Marshall sets out in his book, Why our brains are wired to ignore climate change, in many ways 'wired' to deny climate change.
Beauty lurks in unexpected places, sometimes sharing space with gritty urban parking lots. But have you ever noticed that plants are always busting through concrete and growing out of the tiniest spaces? I admire their tenacity and adaptability.
“Mother Earth needs us to keep our covenant. We will do this in courts, we will do this on our radio station, and we will commit to our descendants to work hard to protect this land and water for them. Whether you have feet, wings, fins, or roots, we are all in it together.” --Winona LaDuke
We are changing the climate, but it's not yet changing enough of us. Climate change must move from being a scientific to a social fact. We need everybody to feel a personal sense of urgency. Right now people don't see themselves as part of either the problem or solution. Science is like a broken record and is translated into a generic call to action. There is climate fatigue and people aren't enthused by the issue- at least not enough to respond in a way that reflects the urgency and magnitude of the challenge.
Climate fatigue, a social silence, and stealth denial is a deadly cocktail. A radical reframing is required.
We can't seperate questions of economic planning and ecological constraints.