PLAN B, THE NEW HORIZON (To Live the Impossible Dream)
In his masterwork, Don Quixote, Cervantes wrote, “Maybe the greatest madness is to see life as it is rather than what it could be.” Moving beyond the environmental and economic crossroads where humanity stands today requires shaking this madness and giving birth to a common vision of a world of sustainable peace and justice and equity. . .
Elk herd on Northern Vancouver Island, Dec. 8, 2016
Some of the most basic elements of creating a common vision rest on new conceptions of security built on a strong foundation of human security. Human security is based on meeting the needs of people and the planet, not one that focuses primarily on the often aggressive framework of the defence of the apparatus if the state – at huge costs to humanity and the environment.
Tackling that outmoded worldview must be the collective action of civil societies and governments. No one changes the world alone. Alone, thinking about all of the challenges in today’s world, can be completely overwhelming and, worse, disempowering. But when we choose to work together in coordinated action toward achieving the common goal of sustainable peace on a sustainable planet, there is little we cannot accomplish. . .
Our sun tempered cabin and wind turbine, Feb. 4, 2004
Creating change is hard work; it is not impossible work. It takes all the elements of the global community working together in a strategic, coordinated action to a make a vision a reality. Change does not happen simply because we wish it would. It is the result of the hard work of millions of people around the world – every single day.
It is a wondrous adventure that we must all be part of to turn our vision into sustainable reality.
~ Jody Williams ~
Beaufort Mountain Range and North Vancouver Island forest and snow, Dec. 5, 2016
Jody Williams is an American political activist known around the world for her work in banning anti-personnel landmines, an important new horizon indeed. She is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and she has chaired the Nobel Women’s Initiative since 2006.
Cheers from the North Island
~ Bruce ~
Sometimes it feels like an impossible task and that ‘doing your bit’ makes no difference at all – we just need to remember that enough ‘little bits’ add up. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Your welcome Noeline… the Dalai Lama once said if we wonder if little things make a difference just think of the mosquito. 🙂
Good point!
I wonder if the mooted ‘Basic Guaranteed Income’ would go some way to removing insecurity and survival mode on an individual basis, leaving scope for working towards common aims such as slowing climate change?
Awesome pics as always Bruce.
From what I understand about it Roy, I think a “Basic Guaranteed Income” would also take away much of the stigma of being in a lower income group and the indignity of the welfare or food stamp programmes, etc. As you wonder about, I too think if peoples basic social justice needs of foods and shelter are met, then too might climate justice take hold.
Perhaps you are writing about creating heaven on earth. What might such a place look like? Along the same lines, what do you use for money in heaven? A sustainable future may involve slowing down, relaxing more, eschewing the busy-ness we’ve come to regard as normal. And the excess and waste they create. They say that Americans live to work, but the French work to live.
Beautiful pictures and thoughts, Bruce.
Thanks Shikka.
There are small things that we as individuals can do that have an impact. Just a few I can think of off the top of my head before heading to work: not using pesticides on our lawns or gardens, recycling, being responsible about how much water we use, donating to and buying from thrift stores, buy locally and organic if possible, do more walking or cycling when feasible, supporting school gardens or gardens on empty property, and so forth. Small things done on a large scale are significant, but not as overwhelming to the individual or family.
janet
All simple, practical and do-able Janet. You know, we often in the media here about bad things happening, and that’s not to be denied. I’d like to do a post about so many good things, even some obscure solutions that we might not have realized are happening… hope in action, so to speak. Thanks for some great examples.
I think people get overwhelmed by the enormity of many issues, but if they can read about things that are manageable even for them, not only do they feel better, but they’re more likely to do something and those somethings can multiply.
Ah, the multiplier effect! Sort of like growing onions 🙂
Lovely vision, but whilst people compete for scarce resources it seems an impossible dream. Humans tend to think that the grass is always greener on the other side. Bit negative of me, one of those weeks!
True, it’s always good to keep perspective on things and not bury our head in the sand, so to speak. I have read, I think it was the American economists Jeffrey Sachs book called The End of Poverty, that if the U.S. decreased its tax cuts to the super wealthy, and/or the countries of the world decreased their huge military spending, this would free up enough resources to end extreme poverty in the world. The world would also be more peaceful and probably we could tackle climate change as well. May all people work towards this goal, even though it’s difficulty and seems impossible. Certainly Jody Williams work in getting a ban on land mines is an inspiration on what is possible! Thanks for your comment Cathy,
Thanks, Bruce.
Your welcome Claire. As John Lennon sang, “So this is Christmas, to rich and to poor.” Peace and justice and hope to all, even if it does seem impossible!
wonderful train
of encouragement, Bruce,
which I’m inspired
to ride upon 🙂
Yes, let’s all get together, David….. people get ready that train is coming, let’s all get on-board🙂