“It is inconceivable that humankind, with all its noble achievements, its aspirations and goodwill, will stay indifferent to the cry of the climate community. The struggle to redress the climate will surely be tackled on several grounds and in such a way as to ensure stability among the climate systems…But most important of all is the fact that we must, imperatively, change our attitudes and agree to live modestly and realistically – all for the sake of the future – which is not ours but which we have borrowed from future generations.”
(Y. Boodhoo, President, World Meteorological Organization Commission for Climatology, World Meteorological Organizational Bulletin, 2003)
This ‘Good Friday’ I was moved to read our Australian of the Year 2007, Professor Tim Flannery’s most readable and compelling book, ‘The Weather Makers: The History & Future of Climate Change’. Conclusion – there is so much evidence gathered for so long from so many esteemed scientists of so many vital shifts in our world’s ‘health’, with the Solomon Island tsunami another example. As Boodhoo states with urgency – Our attitudes stop us from acting and creating real solutions. We distract ourselves… we argue, blame, avoid, procrastinate.
Why… when so much is at stake? I offer this list of responses of ‘how to not change’ that I have seen in my life, and which can be applied to any conflicts – global, individual and in Denmark!
- INERTIA: ‘Yes but; it’s too hard; it won’t work; she’ll be right; someone else can do it; it’s not my problem; I don’t care; it will fail; it’s not proven; it will never happen; let’s wait and see; it’s just a natural situation; it’s too late; it’s all too depressing – go away!’
- BASE INSTINCTS: ‘I’m right you’re wrong; I know, you don’t; don’t tell me what to do!; there’s nothing like a good fight!; others are cheating us; what’s a few million/billion gone! it’s about survival of the fittest/richest/best; let’s just look after ourselves!; let’s join the winning team; wars/disasters bring in money/innovation!; greed is good!; never admit to weakness.’
- IDEOLOGY: ‘it’s the government’s job!; it’s God’s will; the end is nigh anyway!; science will solve everything!; ‘I’m too young, old, busy, troubled, confused, poor, important, unimportant…’; individual/national rights are more important; the powerful or righteous/good should decide; market forces know best; limitless growth is possible; lose money never!; become lesser never!; we’ll only change if those others change; we’ve helped enough!…global warming – great a tropical paradise everywhere!’
History teaches that the power of one can create a revolution. I invite interested Denmarkians who wish to make those small changes to come (by appointment, 98482195) and see a solar passive and active home (photovoltaic cells on the roof). Let us begin together and in time!