By Rick Fullerton | Bio

Recently, I have been focusing more and more of my attention on global warming and, in turn, on understanding my own reactions and responses to what’s happening. The results so far have been both fascinating and challenging.

One aspect of the global warming conversation involves the role of the media in reporting scientific evidence and projections regarding the effects of carbon dioxide in heating the planet. In particular, I have learned about the disproportionate influence of a small number of people in sustaining doubt about whether global warming is occurring and whether human activity is the prime cause. The skill and persistence of these individuals conspire with mainstream media, who espouse the virtue of balanced reporting while widely publicizing the unfounded opinions of a handful of paid lobbyists and ignoring the relative validity of thousands of evidence-based scientific studies. Needless to say, there are lessons here for all in the power of managing conversations.

A related insight stems from a public lecture I attended last week. A university professor, a key figure on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, spoke as a consummate world expert on the science of global warming, citing studies, data sources and complex projections. His technical prowess was impressive. And yet, in response to questions from the audience, he readily confessed his lack of expertise in dealing with people—individually or collectively. Changing human behaviour was not among his areas of competence.

Another surprising revelation to me revolves around the very fundamental question, “Do we care about the future—of the planet, of life on earth, of the human species, of our community or of our family?” As a grandson, son, brother, father and grandfather, it is easy for me to take for granted our place in the cycle of life. Similarly, as one with rural country roots, the land and water have always been important to me. So it comes as a shock that, for others, a commitment to the future is either qualified or even non-existent. The challenge is that this commitment to the future shows up as choices about the delayed consequences of toxic waste, rampant consumerism, deforestation, and, of course, the rush to find and burn fossil fuels.

The conversation on global warming is about to get a lot more attention as world leaders prepare for meetings on a post-Kyoto agreement. Of course, it is easy to discount the significance of our individual responsibility or action. There is some logic to the view that the small CO2 contribution of any decision one makes is irrelevant in relation to the Alberta Tar Sands or the US war effort in Iraq or Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan. Yet for me, the congruence of my values and actions is central to my legitimacy as a voice for change and as a model for others to follow. This is, I believe, as true for individuals as it is for organizations, communities and countries.  

So what are the real choices I can make? Well, clearly one is to use my voice, my writing and my actions to bring attention and informed choice to global warming. I can choose to live more simply, to consume less—and to encourage others to do the same. And, recognizing that global warming requires more than individual action, I can choose leaders who care about the future of the planet and sustainable life in all forms.

Written by eldering at Wisdom in Action

Tagged with: choice climate_change commitment community future global_warming leaders post-kyoto