NASA has confirmed that 2014 was the hottest year since temperatures began being recorded in the 1800s. Nine of the ten hottest years have been in the last 20 years. Am I the only person who finds this terrifying?
The anxious fear in my gut is gnawing. What kind of future do my children face? What will happen when global warming starts to affect our lives : crop failures, worsening economies, shortages, land being swallowed by the ocean?
Millions of people marched for free speech in Paris. What are we doing to save the world we may have doomed with our own actions?
We have to stop. Take a breather. Give the world a chance.
Governments need to help our way of life become more sustainable.
Companies need to change any practises that are damaging our environment.
Individuals need to reduce consumption - tread lightly on our home.
Of course it won't be easy! We have been encouraged to believe that we should have everything we want - those of us who are privileged to live in countries where it is possible and expectations are high. And those who live in places where life is more tenuous are just trying to survive. If we are going to save the world we must work together - help each other.
Imagine. A better world.
Except that pragmatists and cynics say it will never happen.
And it won't if we don't try. I will keep believing it possible and trying to spread that belief.
The alternative to trying? Accepting that our future is one of widespread misery. Crop failures and extreme weather events will make third world countries where societies now prosper. Science fiction often paints a bleak future because our scientists have spent so much effort trying to warn us of the dangers to our environment in the path we have chosen. And there is other human behaviour that makes disaster a credible prediction.
We know the human race can be self-destructive. Do we have to take the whole planet with us?
Monday 19 January 2015
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