According to Wikipedia, “a disturbance is a temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem. Disturbances often act quickly and with great effect, to alter the physical structure or arrangement of biotic and abiotic elements. A disturbance can also occur over a long period of time and can impact the biodiversity within an ecosystem.”
It is safe to state emphatically that most of the ecological systems on earth suffer substantial disturbance. While Emily and I were working in the kitchen together the other evening, we got to talking about how overwhelming it is to consider the amount of effort necessary to get these systems functioning at their pre-disturbance level.
This frustration is quite likely causing for some a state of paralysis. If we are experiencing collapsing ecosystems and mass extinctions, some may even ask “what is the point of doing anything?” Others will say, “the challenge is too big! Let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die!”
A sort of pre-extinction skepticism sets in and rather than focussing on finding solutions, we exacerbate problems through despair and malaise.
There is no doubt that we need to make dramatic changes to how we live in our house. We do not have many more windows to smash.
Stride forward
In a recent interview, my colleague Elizabeth May stated clearly, “Incrementalism is out, and doing deals with people just for power, when our children’s futures at stake is not something I will ever do. We cannot ever accept a government that thinks they can get away with tiny targets on climate which they then don’t achieve. We have to do what’s required.”
In my opinion, this is the correct response from federal and provincial leaders. Our governments have the resources and the responsibility to rapidly transition. We should be showing up with a plan and the will to address the crisis at hand.
This is not mutually exclusive from a personal drive to be constantly making minor improvements in our own life. That is the power of the people. If we all made the improvements we can in our own operations we would see incredible change globally. In essence, that is what I’m attempting to capture in this blog.
From my morning walks, to moments of mindful meditation, nutrition and spending quality time with my family, I’m starting with the things in my immediate control. By improving whatever aspects of my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing I can, I am showing up as a better advocate, more critical thinker and hopefully a better decision-maker. The results have been dramatic.
Image by Welcome to all and thank you for your visit ! ツ from Pixabay
I’m glad we don’t have to clone you. Thereat would bre cool but would miss out on the main point that we can, and need, for us all to wake up and show up.
We are al already amazing and together we can do amazing things.
By the way, I loved the quote from Elizabeth May
???????? exactly right, been thinking the same thing environmental issues are the main issues! all else is moot
I’m so grateful that there are people like you in my world who are standing up for me and all of your constituents. Your wisdoms in the Provincial House is rubbing off on the others whether they want it to or not. I am so grateful that you speak of self care which is a struggle for all of us as things heat up…