Thoughts for Tomorrow.
Climate Change and Migration
As the climate changes we can expect more flooded coasts, drought regions, burning forests, heatwave zones, rising seas, failed crops, storm damage ......... In these circumstances migration can only accelerate. Large areas of the planet will become uninhabitable as vast numbers of desperate people search for somewhere to live. The less affected richer countries will also suffer as their complex supporting networks such as energy, communications and food supplies become threatened or abruptly disabled.Without obvious and immediate justification, like a pandemic or war, governments will be unwilling to lose popularity by lowering living standards to deal with expensive long term problems such as phasing out fossil fuels to reduce emissions and global warming. Instead, they will be driven to impose stricter and stricter border controls in order to stem immigration. Fear of being overrun by the displaced and desperate may well force countries and communities to become fortified islands, with the 'haves' stockaded away from the 'have-nots' as never before!
What can be done when emissions are allowed to continue at unacceptable levels with little concern for the wellbeing, or even survival, of future generations? The causes of climate change and the remedies were known many years ago but governments have never properly recognised and stepped up to the challenge. Since the Paris agreement in 2015 most at least, pay lip service to the need for action but now there's backtracking and a reluctance to warn of the dangers to come. We have a crisis that threatens all living things on our planet, ourselves included. Could anything be more serious?
Can, we the people, shout loudly enough to somehow avoid the extreme downsides of climate change, of which uncontrolled migration is but one? Or are we doomed to suffer on one side or the other of the stockade?
EcoBud
Living Sustainably - Locally and in the Future.
So what's happening now that every reasonable person knows that there's no way that climate disruption can be avoided? There's little help on the international scene. Wars actually increase emissions! Few of us can do much about the troubling state of national or international politics but what can we actually do ourselves, in our own local community and environment? Local communities can depend much less on outside connections by managing their own resources where this is possible. Taking good care of local ecosystems is a good example that benefits everyone.As climate change intensifies very large numbers of people are likely to migrate, causing endless political and social problems but they are less likely to be displaced if local communities have the foresight to adapt to changing conditions. Becoming more resilient before disaster strikes makes good sense. Relying on emergency relief when unprepared for a sudden catastrophy, does not!
OK, humanity's present course is simply not sustainable but what is? What about an eco-civilization, centered around long-term ecological balance and human well-being? Human flourishing is sustained by aligning appropriate technology, economy and culture with ecological principles.
Suppose . . . . .
- Partnership with nature overrides its domination by humans.
Cooperation beats competition.
Economic growth and excessive consumerism gives way to human well-being.
A circular economy recycles materials rather than endlessly extracting resources.
Fossil fuels become obsolete.
Local autonomy and strong community support reduces government by outsiders.
Considerations affecting future generations decades ahead, are not subject to short-term thinking and lack of political will.
Sustainability teaching is recognised in all aspects of education.
- Donella Meadows - American environmental scientist and and educator.
Fritjof Capra - author, physicist, systems theorist and deep ecologist.
Jeremy Lent - explores pathways toward a life-affirming future.
Arne Naess - Norwegian philosopher who coined the term "deep ecology"
Joanna Macy - Environmental activist, author and scholar of Buddhism.
Sooner or later, climate change will change everyone's life so please consider how human activities can operate sustainably in the long term - before it's too late! Of course community work and practical lifestyle changes are important right now but, seriously, you and millions like you, can play an important part in creating a sensible and sustainable future for humankind. I suspect others in high places will not!
EcoBud
