Learning and Environmental Choices - Part 2 |
Friday Nov 27 2009
While I don’t have any quick fixes to offer, here are a few ideas that may have potential:
Recognize
that who we are and what we stand for is the starting point for all
significant change. Looking inside ourselves to clarify what is
important is an essential step. What is our commitment to our children
and grandchildren, to future generations and to other species with
which we share the planet? How do we balance this commitment to the
future with our present concerns and interests? What can we do to make
our actions congruent with our intentions?
There
is power in numbers. Yet it is most often small committed groups that
produce significant change. Wherever we are in the system, we always
have the opportunity to reinforce and align ourselves with others—to
collaborate, to support mutual efforts, and to realize synergies. In
this regard, one of the most powerful approaches may be to promote
intergenerational conversations so that people of all ages can come
together to create a sustainable future.
3. Accept personal responsibility for the environment.
Being
responsible for global warming and other environmental challenges is an
important prerequisite to moving forward. Resistance that shows up as
blaming others or picking fights is more likely to strengthen the
denial and resolve of those who benefit most from the current
situation. We need to be able to clearly acknowledge and own where we
are before we can take the next step.
4. Create a better future.
Each
of us has a voice and the power to declare possibilities and
commitments. We create the future in our speaking and listening,
inviting others to join in the process. To the extent that we speak
from our hearts about the world we want to create, we will attract
energy, resources and support—and inspire others to act.
5. Act with integrity.
We
can influence those who occupy positions of power and influence by how
we vote— whether it be by the ballots we check on election day, by the
stores we frequent, by the investments we make, or by the company we
choose. It is by taking actions like these and by making direct
requests and promises based on clear intentions that change actually
happens.
In the days leading up to the post-Kyoto talks in
Copenhagen, we will be bombarded with media messages from politicians,
commentators, interest groups, and environmental experts. I urge us all
to listen for the assessments, possibilities and actions that are
offered to deal with the defining challenge of our time. Whatever
happens, we will all have a role to play in creating a sustainable
future. Let’s make sure we do it well.
© 2009 Rick Fullerton. All rights reserved.
Written by eldering at Wisdom in Action
Tagged with: commitment copenhagen environment intergenerational_conversations post-kyoto responsibility sustainable_future
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