And so time is passing...
What is the threshold we must cross for there to be a climate crisis? Does anyone know? To what extent does our actions influence what is happening? Is this all just a cycle like the ancient Mayans say? Where will this lead?
We hear the talk all around us, on TV and movies and in the papers, but on an individual basis, what does this mean for us?
There was a proposal awhile back that scared enough people that it was taken from the public eye. It involved projections about a mini ice age. A movie was made of similar points of view, you may remember The Day After Tomorrow. Well that is one viewpoint.
Then we have the projections we are currently going by, which say the earth is warming. Continuing on the same paths, we will have a 5-7 degree increase in temp by the next century. This is another viewpoint.
I know that I a concerned about my childrens future, as most other people are, but somehow I find it hard to assosciate what is going on in the world with a direct affect upon my life. I am not alone. I research and consult for a living, and in this I have access to more information than most. Even that, though, still cannot seem to persuade me from the human quality of ego. What is the direct effect on ME.
As I sit here and watch my 2 year old run up and down the hall, I wonder what it will be like when he grows up. If I knew that I had the power to change something, I would, but I need to know that what I am doing is making a difference. I know, theoritically, that my recycling and energy awareness is making a difference, but will it be enough? If it is not enough, than why bother?
It occurs to me that if the awareness of others were the same as mine, and people everywhere bound together for the same cause, our ingenuity could solve any problem that came up. We would make giant leaps towards the solutions and the change.
This is where I start to get optimistic again. The human species has adapted through much, we have endured great hardships in the past, we have overcome great odds. We have still unknown capabilities and our brain still is not fully comprehended by scientists. I know we can do it. We are alive.
So now I think as to the issue of binding together. We are innately social creatures. Science has shown that we are healthier and happier when we see others healthy and happy. So then how do we equate health and happiness with environmental issues?
There was a book Last Child in the Woods that was a very interesting read. It discussed how nature deprivation could cause many problems that we see in our social context today. There has also been much research on happiness in Japan. They have actually created an index and measureable results focused upon this. One of the key points is how much exposure they have to parks and plants. Interesting indeed.
So the environmental "happiness" equals our happiness...?
OK. Now I need a place to start. I have convinced myself that this is possible, and I know that it is worth it. Since I need a guide, and to deliberate on the issues, I have decided to start with The Natural Step- a Communities Guide to Sustainability. I can get a few of us together to read this book and discuss the chapters.
At the end of the book, I noticed, is a place where I can take steps towards action. Perfect. Hopefully this book, and others, will guide me to the change I would like to see.
Wish me luck on my journey, and I wish you well in yours.
Sincerely,
Jami Boudinot

www.midwesternsolar.org

Neutral Existence Eco-Store