This is a famous clarion call from Swami Vivekananda, as he rallied people to reach for the highest standards of humanity within themselves.
Today, though, I thought to use it also to back up the call-to-action I put out on Thursday. It occurred to me that, while that particular event mentioned is specifically in the UK, there is absolutely no reason at all that all of you reading this in Australia, India, countries of Europe, Canada, and the USA could not write, email or text your relevant offices of government registering your concerns as raised by the IPCC report last week.
So easily we can say 'I love you', but how often do those words lie empty? They only vibrate with life when we fill them with emotion in our voice, with the outreach of our hand, through touch - that is to say, by acting upon the words we spoke. Below here, you can read the draft of my message to my local MSP to use as inspiration for your own action. Don't just sit there, do something. Sometimes Love with the capital 'ell' means stretching your boundaries! (Please note, the draft will be formalised one week prior to The Big One, allowing for any developments between now and then. You do not have to use the references, but simply take this is a framework.)
DRAFT MESSAGE TO MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO BE BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF THE UK GOVERNMENT.
RE: The Big One April 21st, 2023
Dear......,
I am writing to confirm to you that whilst not physically able to attend the gathering in Westminster on the date above, I am no less concerned by the matters raised by the organisers and fully support the action.
I have perused the IPCC report myself, and it makes fearful reading. Focus on fossil fuels needs to be stopped immediately, and attention turned to the fullest on expanding the renewables infrastructure. Not 30 years, not 20 years, not even 10 or five years from now. Action must be taken without delay. The IPCC Summary for Policy Makers clearly lays out the issues and explores actions for mitigation. It should be read by all of the government and its suggestions taken into earliest consideration.
In this article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, it concludes with a damning statement (in reference to a recent conference at Sharm el Shaikh),
Countries were unable, however, to adopt a formal decision to agree to phase out fossil fuels, and even more disappointing, they did essentially nothing to assure that previous commitments to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions would be fulfilled.
Would the UK government not like to become the one to say, 'wait a minute!' and lead the turn toward a truly sustainable future???
Thank you for taking the time to read and in advance for your acknowledgement of the contents.
Sincerely,
The whole world has been turning slowly towards a sustainable economy. Developing nations are now driving the world's gradual shift towards renewable energy, and India has become one of the leaders of the pack.
ReplyDeleteSolar Photo-Voltaic power project will be installed at the Andes Solar Hub, in the mountains of the Atacama Desert.
We have to be optimistic!
Have a nice Sunday :-)
Hari OM
DeleteIndia’s aim to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and to meet fifty percent of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030 is a hugely significant, however, it is still the case that over three quarters of its energy supply is generated by coal, oil and biomass, the greatest amount from coal.
Australia's new government has put on a strong push for renewables and last year saw exansion and funding grow exponentially to the previous few years... but it has a lot of catching up to do still.
The keyword in your comment was 'slow'! Here in the UK it is almost stagnant, despite much 'lip service' and that is why this large gathering has been planned. If that could be backed up by an onslaught of messages to MPs it would be hard for them to ignore... though the state or our political scene here doesn't leave too much scope for optimism. I do agree though, that for those who are making efforts, there should be recognition and cheer. Yxx
Environmental policies and legislation in the UK is "almost stagnant", as you mentioned.
DeleteUnfortunately, since the UK left the EU, it hasn't been compelled to implement EU's directives that protect natural habitats, keep air and water clean, ensure proper waste disposal, improve knowledge about toxic chemicals and help businesses move toward a sustainable economy.
In this perspective, EU legislation for environmental management puts energy efficiency first and supports cost-effective building renovation. Buildings, which are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions (mainly stem from construction, usage, renovation and demolition), have to reach at least - 60% emission reduction by 2030 in the building sector ... unfortunately, the UK will not do the same.
Wishes,
G
Hari Om
DeleteSadly true... Yxx
Great idea, though I do have my doubts that here in the USA no one would read or care what we do... the turmoil here, and lying cheating scum in office, care nothing about the earth, only about how much money they can make off the backs of the poor..
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI wish our politicians cared more for our earth than money and power! Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week!
I as an individual, and as a member of several organizations, am unrelenting in my pursuit of politicians to point out the dire peril that faces us, and to urge action. I will do so until I am physically an unable to. I wish I could say, "Until it's no longer necessary" but that's not going to happen.
ReplyDeleteYAM I hope you get some type of response from the letter to Parliament. My friend in OZ recently emailed about their elections last week. They have a new government now and all are waiting to see just what will happen or not happen with change.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Hari OM
DeleteImportant to note that the election referred to pertains specifically to NSW state; Federal Election was last year, and other states are at different times. Yes, NSW has elected Labor for the first time since before I departed, and that pleases me, as it brings the state in line with Federal politics. Since Labor took the national seat, Australia is again leaping into action for the current century and looking properly forward rather than existing on nostalgia and retrograde policies. This includes instigating an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and distinct and 'happening now' action on renewable energy infrastructure. It can only be hoped that this will now be echoed at the state level. Yxx
This week a series of events are being held in Aberdeen for Climate Week North East . I'll be attending one which is close to my heart (if not to Nobby's), a discussion on Tuesday evening titled 'Active and Public Transport for NE Scotland: What do we want and how will we get there?
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
Hari OM
DeleteAn interesting range of events - I note lots of beach cleans and similar participation items, with lots of things to promote individual awareness, all of which are, of course, very important. The evening you will attend, and the items with the University departments would be the closest to addressing the things April 21 will be about. It is the national effort that ultimately requires addressing, and unless there is legislation - and funding - to drive it, there will be as many individuals who will choose to delay or deny. This is why The Big One is being organised - and if even one in ten thousand of us were to drop a message to our MPs to support such strong and imperative legislation, that would be quite the onslaught! It would be interesting to know if the Aberdeen Climate group have read the IPCC report and would consider generating a 'mass mailing'?!! Yes, continue all personal and community efforts such as these, but don't let up on insisting the "leaders" pay attention... Yxx
May your goal be reached sooner than later!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
Delete...it is not 'my' goal, Tom... it is a goal for all humankind... Yxx
Coming back to UK sent me into a kind of blue funk about environment and climate issues. As individuals we are up against big business and governments who measure their country's economic health on outdated and incomplete criteria for production and output. I've come to realize the extent to which the average person is deprived of choice when it come to how we live, buy food, travel, recycle our waste (waste I'd prefer not to generate in the first place, but packaging packaging packaging....) We don't know about chemicals used around us in everything from detergent to fire retardants on furniture. To top it all off the countryside is an endless trash heap. The majority of our fellow humans simply don't care; fast food and drink waste thrown from cars is a sad indictment on how we live.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
DeleteYes, I got such a shock when I repatriated, coming from OZ (it's not perfect, but soooo much cleaner and environmentally conscious); and believe it or not, even India in some respects was better insofar as everyone can do something with what is left behind and the streets are generally well-kept. (Though lots wrong there too...) Yxx