The horror
We tend to interpret climate risk and our contribution to climate change, to within an inch of our comfort. Outside of this well architected but virtual comfort, is an existential problem. We have studied it, we know enough to be driven to action, and so, there is much to do.
Climate truth
The collective consciousness towards climate action is rigged with lags, and solutions that are running, or are, out of time already. The world needed the #climatestrikes by kids and adults alike. They brought life back to climate conversations, giving an invaluable perspective; that of kids. I am convinced that concurrently, they have perpetuated a global #climatehope. All because they dared to challenge leaders and lead by example. They understand that in order to rein climate change in, there is so much to do, so little time click to tweet. But we have now, and it counts.
What we have made of the planet, in the short amount of time we have been here, is proof that we have made ourselves, collectively, god. And true to that, so egocentric we are, we made god (the other one, up in the skies) in our likeness [story for another day]. With the power bestowed upon us, by ourselves, we have brought humanity to its knees. And though that may be sad for us, in some weird way, it is quite the justice. Make reference to whatever they say about karma.
We have seen red hot planets elsewhere in the solar system #venus, and we know that Mother Earth has already seen an ice age, maybe red-hot age is her fate click to tweet. Maybe we caused climate change, maybe it would have happened anyway, who knows? That is not the point, the point is that, she will live. Mother Earth will still be here after we are long gone.
We embrace climate truth and climate action? Maybe we thrive. If we don’t, maybe we short circuit? I don’t know. But we all have an inkling of what it would look like. The fear of looming doom that seems to be in everyone’s air and some, in their dreams. I feel that the #ExtinctionIsApproaching (XR) movement, understands a thing or two about it. Extinction sounds a bit ‘strong’, and I for one understand, that, that may be difficult to fathom. Yet, it is a climate truth.
We have the capacity to appreciate the magnitude of climate change innately, but it should not leave us feeling helpless click to tweet. We are highly adaptable. Feelings of helplessness? Doom’s day? Maybe an epidemic brings us to extinction, dark matter, or artificial intelligence (which arguably does not exist quite yet). It could be anything, which is why it is important for everyone, everywhere, to continue doing what they do, to the best of their ability. Being mindful of the planet all the while, because climate change is not as obscure a reality. So, hope still stands, and we have quite #muchtodo.
Stella Nyambura Mbau PhD
Founder & CEO LOABOWA
