The environment and me!
Earthrise (NASA)
Christmas Eve 1968. Earthrise -reportedly the most influential environmental photograph ever was taken from Apollo 8 as it left Earth orbit to circle the moon. The photo was the first to show the whole Earth in its magnificent beauty - a blue and white marble in the infinity of space. Growing up, I had that image on my bedroom wall. This photo, together with my geography teacher’s love of the world, belief in the value and accuracy of science and my three very young grandchildren, are my motivation for my active and earnest efforts to improve the environment and combat climate change.
Whether it be record breaking droughts, floods, storms or temperatures, we are constantly reminded that the climate is changing. Habitat loss, species extinction and other threats to nature concern us too. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed, scared and to try to block out the world and carry on as normal. In fact, recent research published in The Lancet found that 45% of 16-25 year olds said that feelings about climate change and biodiversity loss negatively affected their daily lives. To be honest, this is how I felt until a few years ago, especially when I thought about what the world would be like for my grandchildren when they grow up. Today, however, I’ve turned this anxiety into a determination to know that when I look back at the end of my life, I will have done all that I could to safeguard my little grandchildren’s future.
So what have I done? Broadly, three things which could be described as Head, Heart and Hand. Firstly, Head. I’ve got stuck into my biggest bit of learning since I was at school - not so much what the challenges are and what has caused them but rather what can be done to overcome them. Everything we need to build a better, cleaner, healthier and more equitable future already exists - it’s just the willingness to implement that’s required. Secondly, Heart, finding other people who share my concerns has been truly transformational for me. There are many, many groups around, why not seek one out for yourself? Third and finally it’s Hand, do something, make a difference, get stuck in, walk the talk. Lots of changes have helped me walk the talk - where to invest, how to travel, what to eat, clothes and things I buy. Small differences but huge if multiplied by others. And the biggest most effective thing that I think I’ve done is to listen to other people about their concerns and let the conversation flow.
Robert Swann was the first person to walk to both poles. He said “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”
Margaret Mead was an American cultural anthropologist who said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Paul Carvin