Hard to Hope

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There is a lot being written about climate change and environment even though it may be difficult to find in all the deluge of information that comes our way each day. Like anything else, you have to pay attention. And then, when you do find it, many times it’s hard to read because it’s hard to take because it can be depressing.  John Schwartz reviews William Vollmann’s new 2 volume work (No Immediate Danger, Vol. 1 of Carbon Ideologies and No Good Alternative, Vol. 2 of Carbon Ideologies) in Sunday, August 12^th’s New York Time Book Review. Here’s how Schwartz finishes:

“Reading these two books did have an effect on me; I became even more conscious of the resources I waste in my own life. I found myself wondering why I burn fossil fuels by driving two miles to a lovely park where I take my morning run, instead of trotting around my own neighborhood. It’s not that I stopped doing it, but I do feel worse about myself. Maybe that’s what the work was for”

There are two reasons people change: the pain is too great where they are or the promise is so wonderful where they want to be. So, maybe reading Carbon Ideologies brought Schwartz or is bringing Schwartz enough pain to bring about change in his life in carbon usage. Maybe.

I find that taking action, however small, helps me find hope. Here’s something for us: Sept. 8, 11am, Rise Up Orlando, at Lake Eola Park, to mark the Sept. 12-14 Global Climate Action Summit being held in San Francisco. Also this: check out your local Planning and Zoning Commission’s work. What is your local Comprehensive Plan and what, for example, is the plan for transportation that can and will reduce the carbon footprint? There is a lot to do my friends. When you find it hard to hope, get out there and do something.