What the experts say:
- The first and most important thing to do is address our current method of powering our actions: redesign the energy system using new tehnologies such as wind, solar and fusion.
- It will take tremendous commitment and sacrifice to do what is right for long term gain.
- World leaders need to agree and take action in a collaborative way.
- Take on climate change seriously. It will help address:
- Water shortage
- Food shortage
- Pestilence
- Disease
- War
On the ABC special Earth 2100, the experts say that if the “first world” countries get it right, they can pass on learnings, technology and aid to the third world next… but it may be prudent to wait much longer. Canwe devise a model now that will advance the sustainability of humanity across the whole globe? And by model, I mean, what economic barriers can we remove that prevent us from taking action on this?
I can’t help but imagine mass human migrations screwing up our plans to show the developing world how to participate in making their own future a success… thresholds or tipping points lurk around the corner (see a description of Panarchy), with us comfortably assuming “not yet”.
Granted, we cannot indulge in hypocracy, nor can we pass on early, untested learnings to those waiting for help. But I imagine we can plant seeds. We can send an innoculation of possiblity, potential, and capacity for people near the bottom of the Jenga pile… those whose lives lay more in the balance of our natural systems, opposed to those who assume “not yet” because technology creates that comfort. The bottom of the Jenga pile sits less disturbed by the falterings of “economic progress” but equally, if not more, at the mercy of our natural systems. I believe this to be a place of possibility and a pre-emptive strike against an element that could destroy our carefully constructed “world sustainability plans”: the hungry, thirsty, desparate human element. We’ve seen what war has partially done to the American economy, afterall.
“A livable world for our children and future generations is our opportunity, that is our obligation” Thomas Friedman expresses near the end of Earth 2100. And to re-paraphrase the experts: it will take tremendous commitment and sacrifice to do what is right for long term gain. Not only this, but we must commit and sacrifice for change on several fronts.
Where I live and work, the slogan is “The Best Place on Earth”. My vision is to live in “The Best Place for the Earth”; because as precious as my backyard is to me, it will not remain in tact unless we expand our thinking to realize that all of Earth is precious.
From my sphere to yours, here’s to Earth on a Platter.
HB
Unfortunately most of our world leaders are not the ones we elect democratically, they’re our corporate leaders. A politician needs to listen to environmental concerns and is obligated to the general will of the public towards sustainability. The corporate leader? Not democratically elected. Not obligated to the public. These leaders only really need to bend to the will of major shareholders, who are too busy sipping martinis to pay attention to anything beyond their dividends.
So long as this is the case, the most desperate of humanity will continue doing whatever they must to make a living. Including keeping secrets about their employer’s environmental policies. . . ..I’d chop down rainforest if it was the only way to feed my family.
I hear you on that. What is interesting these days, is how there is a groundswell of citizens and government bodies innovating ways to remake our economies. By no means is this an easy task, or one that is likely to find quick wins for climate change mitigation/adaptation… but certainly, there is a vision of a new order to things.
For example, emissions cap and trade systems, put into force by governments, will impose price signals that inhibit the operations of heavy CO2 emitters. Meanwhile, clean energy producers and other carbon offsetters will benefit from the system. Granted, this is still encouraging a capitalistic system… one that has been left unchecked and has got us in this overconsumption mess.
Regardless, governments understand the financial markets. And arguably, it is the role of the government to shelter citizens from the nasties of extreme capitalism. So long as governments are aware of and dedicated to this role, I have hope that there can be some leadership in the right direction.
What comes to mind next is the development of the “social economy”. A topic I have yet to explore fully in my blog… but one I believe to be gaining momentum across the planet.
HB