It has been fascinating to see how many commentators reflecting on the anti-climax of Copenhagen have mentioned the need for us as individuals to act. My hope for 2010 is that we see a tidal wave of behavioural change in the developed countries by individuals, communities and organisations including businesses taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.
In the developed countries we have choice, so much choice, and we need to realise that with this comes responsibility. Before each decision, we need to learn to stop and think and make sure we are making the right choice for the planet. It is these decisions that affect the lives of billions who don’t have the same luxury of choice but who are the first to feel the impacts of our wrong decisions and our lack of responsibility. The impacts that are affecting them will affect us. Mass migration from drought affected areas to temperate climates is an example and there are many far worse destabilising scenarios. We are kidding ourselves if we think that: a. we will be fine and things will sort themselves out and b. we don’t have to take action and change because someone else will (Copenhagen showed us this).
The chances of failure are huge and very real but I don’t believe we will fail because I believe that at some level we know that we value the environment above all the trappings of our ‘developed’ societies and lifestyle. Deep down we know that we rely on the environment for our sustenance and our very survival.
History shows us what can be achieved in the name of a cause, a common, meaningful objective that pulls individuals and communities together. Surely our move to low carbon, sustainable communities is the cause for our generation?!
We must act now! We must show leadership by taking action and showing others. There are many things we can do and most of them we all know about. If we act in sufficient numbers and are focused on the same objective we are capable of acheiving amazing things! Let’s make sure that in the first weeks and months of 2010 that we do actually take action and make a difference!
Over the next few postings I will be looking at some of the things that we can do. Let me know what you or your community has done to make a difference. By sharing what’s working we can educate and inspire others.
Best wishes for a happy, fulfilling and sustainable 2010!
