Living in the COVID World ... and Beyond #44: Maintaining Hope amidst Ongoing Climate Challenges
As someone concerned about the evolving climate challenges that the world is facing, it is easy to feel disappointed and even despairing. The number of weather-related disasters (flooding, fires, droughts) are increasing, the ocean currents are warming, icecaps are melting, biodiversity is decreasing … and the list goes on. And all this while oil and gas companies continue to reap huge profits. One does what one can, on their own and more encouragingly working with others to effect positive change at the local, national, and global levels. Where does one find hope in the midst of this ongoing crisis?
I have recently read two books that were both provocative and, for me, hopeful that humanity can stand up and address the climate challenges.
The first is Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility edited by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua. This book is a series of essays by various authors (including the co-editors) which offer exactly what the title of the book states: hope and possibility about addressing the climate crisis. Many of authors are front-line activists from around the world. One message that I took from the book is that the right time to start one’s commitment to climate action is “always right now” and that the most powerful action is in working with others and building community around shared climate goals. As one of authors states: “… human history is full of examples of people across the ages who have risen to face the great challenges of their time and succeeded against all odds…. Change happens gradually, then suddenly. It’s never too late to be part of the social movement that will help heal our world.”
The second book is quite different from Not Too Late in that it is a novel which engaged me in thinking about what steps am I willing to take, what actions will I risk, to confront the climate crisis that I am watching unfold before my eyes. The book is Altar to an Erupting Sun by Chuck Collins. This book did not have all the hard facts and reports that are contained in Not Too Late. Altar to an Erupting Sun has the story of a concerned woman, an activist throughout her life, who decided to take an ultimate action in her desire to put public attention on the climate crisis. I could identify easily with the central character, Rae; she lived in the Northeast of the United States through the same period of history as I have done. The reader may or may not agree with Rae’s decision (even her friends in the novel were divided) but it certainly made me think about what I am willing to do to act on my convictions.
When you believe deeply in something, how much risk are you willing to take in your actions to effect positive change? How do you decide?