With this article, I would like to refer you to a more in-depth paper by Jem Bendell. I would also like to warn you that it is a serious paper and spells out a potentially gloomy future. Yes, it’s kind of a bummer but it’s worth looking at. Deep adaptation is a paper about how we are going to adapt to the changes we face due to global warming and climate change. Be warned – reading this paper causes climate anxiety. However, this climate anxiety stimulated me to come to an understanding. Thus have a basic plan of action looking at day-to-day choices through a more environmentally conscious lens. What can I do about climate change and deep adaptation? Here is where I’m going to start. I’ve broken this into three parts.
I Take responsibility
Firstly I take responsibility for how I act personally. Considering choices I make personally and looking at day-to-day choices through a more environmentally conscious lens. For example, fewer trips in a car equal less gas and cost less money. So plan your trips more carefully and be more efficient. I may even get an electric car in the not so distant future. Choosing consciously what I consume, eating less or no factory meat, choosing organic sustainable alternatives when possible. We recently bought a ¼ cow form a local grass-fed beef farmer and it was delicious.
Here are some examples of ways to consume fewer resources. I can make do without unnecessary things. I can buy secondhand or lightly used things instead of brand new things. In this way, I am consuming fewer resources and also saving money. I can simply say no to my impulse desires for things that aren’t really important. Some examples – that Mocha frap at the local coffee joint, or that fancy new must-have widget for my dirt bike. Sharing what I have with others and trying to help others as I am able. Remembering that connecting and sharing promotes reciprocity and creates a supportive community. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends.
Spread The Word
Secondly, how I think and how I speak. I Choose to see and believe in a vision of the future that is positive and environmentally conscious. A vision where we as a species figure it out. A vision where we overcome greed and selfishness before it wipes us off the face of the planet. I choose to spread the word about climate change and deep adaptation. I can speak of the changes and challenges that we face and spread the word about consuming less. I can speak about needing less stuff and enjoying simple things. I choose to talk to others and encourage them to prepare for potential catastrophes like earthquakes hurricanes floods and wildfires. I can talk with people about ways to cope with potential catastrophes and challenges caused by climate change. I choose to speak with my wallet simply as a byproduct of the choices that I make.
Thirdly I choose to personally be prepared myself and to prepare my family. Be prepared to provide, food, water, shelter, and heat for myself and my family in the event of an emergency. I can have a plan in place to defend my home and my family in the event that it is necessary. I can encourage others to do the same. It is always wise to have a backup plan for the worst case scenarios. I move confidently toward creating the best case scenario by being prepared in this way.
I’m No Greenpeace Activist or Righteous Environmentalist
I take Personal responsibility, with regard to myself, my choices, speech, actions. The problem is not out there, it’s not just about the problems caused by everyone else. I choose to recognize it starts with me. By doing so I empower myself to create a better tomorrow.
I don’t write this to support some false identity as a do-gooder.
However, I now see how everything ties together. This way of being, thinking and acting responsibly and connected. This way is not only better for the environment, but it is also better for us as individuals. It is better for our families our local community and the global community. These environmentally conscious choices are less expensive, consume fewer resources, and create more space for simple true joys, and connection with others.
How To Get Your Ass In Gear?
By choosing and setting a positive vision for the best good we can imagine for ourselves and our environment. Continually moving towards that vision (goal) despite setbacks. Reassess and recalibrate, looking at day-to-day choices through a more environmentally conscious lens. Align our goals with our vision, reviewing from time to time. Know that we will stumble, fail and face adversity. Then setting out again towards that vision of the best we can make it. Doing what we can incrementally each day. We can take notice of and have gratitude for what we do have. We can be proud of how far we have come. Also, we can be stoked for the fact that we are committed to the vision of continually improving. Realize our common interest in our planet, our common plight and journey as humans, despite cultural differences.
Think Globally act locally. Your own self is as local as you can get.
Be the change you would like to see in the world- Gandhi.
By being it you send out subtle yet powerful ripples of influence.
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Sue Bannister June 17, 2019
I really appreciate the honest and positive take you have on our current ecological state. Anyone raising children has the opportunity to cultivate a consciousness of hope & honesty by aligning their actions with what is actually happening on the planet. Here, children see, hear, and experience an alignment between what adults are talking about, what they increasingly will experience happening, and the actions that the adults in their lives are taking; both a consciousness of our interdependence with the natural world and tools for living are offered. Your children must be lucky children indeed!
Thank you for your inspiration!