How will we thrive if we don’t have clean air to breathe?
I believe that we are more isolated now than ever from each other and from the earth and that this deep disconnect directly correlates to how we TREAT both each other and the earth.
Hey you!
As I sit to write this, I look out over the dry, desert hillside and see smoke returning to blanket the landscape. Many parts of the world, including Canada, have been ravaged by forest fires this year, as is becoming somewhat of a ‘new normal’.
The clear and carefree days of summer may be something of the past if we continue at the rate we are degrading the planet. This is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is complex, enduring and touches all aspects of our lives.
How will we thrive if we don’t have clean air to breathe?
It is also important to note that those most impacted by climate change often live on the margins of society and lack a strong political voice. A salient example is the over 200 diverse First Nations in BC who are/were stewards of these lands from time immemorial and who have a deep social, spiritual connection to the land. As a white settler and someone who has worked with First Nations around the preservation of natural resources, I have seen first-hand the impact that climate change has on these communities and the lack of political will to mitigate this.
I don’t have the answer, I don’t believe there is just one. I believe that we are more isolated now than ever from each other and from the earth and that this deep disconnect directly correlates to how we TREAT both each other and the earth. I believe we need to fundamentally shift this relationship to move forward, and I believe this must be done in community.
But it is also important to note that we cannot reduce this to the individual level and individual responsibility. There are political and corporate structures and systems that ABSOLUTELY prop up the ongoing accumulation of profit over environmental protection. They need to be held accountable, not just by me and you, but by ALL of us.
I hope you enjoy the last days of August and that you and your loved ones are safe.
xx Erin
