Thoughts for Tomorrow
Thought Experiments for Armchair Activists.
Polls show that people are generally convinced climate change is with us although opinions can differ on exactly what actions are needed. Well, that's a good enough starting point but the climate emergency we're facing is far worse than many people realize. There's a growing awareness that time is running out and much more should be done on both personal and global levels. Sorry, but armchair activism is not the answer.But what is then? On a personal level what can be done rather obviously depends on who you are and where you are, so find out what your most likely climate threats are. Can't be bothered? Then here's a thought experiment. Suppose just one of the main services to your home becomes unavailable for a time: water, energy, phone, internet, food supplies, online banking, whatever. How would you cope? Maybe you have backup food for a week or two, or can live without the internet but it's not that simple.
Our modern world is so interconnected that the absence of any one service is likely to affect others. If your internet is down your phone may be down too so you can't transfer money. If your electrical supply has gone you probably can't cook no matter how much backup food you have and your internet or phone may be unavailable because you can't charge a battery! OK, mitigate against these personal inconveniences in the short term but what of global issues in the longer term?
Yawn! . . . . . Who knows what future the changing climate will bring? But we do know it's gradually getting worse and gradually applies only if you're lucky. If you're not lucky where you live, then sudden catastrophic events such as flooding, forest fires or crop failure are more likely to overwhelm! Also, the crossing of one of several possible climate tipping points, such as rapidly melting ice sheets, could cause sudden and irreversible effects that accelerate global warming and lead crucial parts of modern society to collapse. What then?
Here's another thought experiment. Suppose the global financial system were to suddenly and completely collapse. Given present political circumstances this is not too far-fetched! Again, many other services are interconnected in our complex international economic system. The impact would be catastrophic, affecting everyone on a global level except, of course, the financial and billionaire elite with the foreknowledge and wherewithal to amass whatever reserves are necessary for their own survival!
All doom and gloom then so what's the point of doing anything at all? If we can't think ahead for ourselves consider young people - children, grandchildren and the unborn generations who must adapt to whatever lifestyle changes are needed for human wellbeing as the end of the century approaches. The days ahead may be grimmer but not necessarily disastrous if we look to ourselves and change our ways. Politicians should be deciding how the planet's resources can be used sustainably and shared equitably. Instead they encourage rampant consumerism for economic growth that actually accelerates the depletion of resources and increases carbon emissions!
Does a happy 'standard of living' have to mean acquiring yet more and more goods and services? An ecological civilisation is not impossible and there are exciting new ways of sustainable living that balance what we give to the planet with what we take. Improved human wellbeing and eco-mindfulnes is possible without selfishly exploiting other living beings and every other gift that Mother Earth can offer. The fate of the planet and humanity is in our hands. We and millions of others can only make a real difference if we leap up from our armchairs and speak truth to power!
EcoBud
