I would like to share the dilemma I had in deciding to go to Glasgow, and some of the things we need to think about as we embrace the future we need.
Should I - at very short notice - go to COP26 in Glasgow ? I found out I could secure a ticket and accompany my great friend Natalie Isaacs to what some might consider the most important future setting conference of my lifetime… Together we could help our advocate the mission of 1 Million Women and enrich relationships to support its future work. I could also connect with architects from the Declare and regeneration movements across the world and contribute to the discussions about how the built environment is an important part of a low carbon, regenerative future…
But, can I really justify the emissions of my flight? Are there other ways of doing this important work? As i think about supporting and helping those who don’t need to fly there, I also contemplate the idea that history is made by those who turn up….
I listened with great interest to Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens on ABC RN talk about “How much should we care about climate change?” I was particularly interested in the idea that we have not yet worked out how to lean in and enjoy the future we need to create that will enable us all to continue to exist. We are still trying to work out how to shoehorn our past life into the different framework we need - regarding this as constraining, uncomfortable and compromising of our rights.
Instead, we could see it as a porthole into a new and potentially better way of living. One where we regard and tend for nature as part of us, rather than something to be “mastered”. One where we relish the importance of relationships to people, place and nature, and make time to nurture these. One where we find joy in living locally and finding the things we need as close to home as possible. And helping contribute to this local economy where we can.
As we come out of lockdown, I have been concerned that so many people I know and love are dying to jump on a plane and fly - anywhere. Some for very legitimate family reasons, some for well earned holidays, others just to flex their wings… And I have asked - but what about the IPCC Code Red Alert and the need to urgently and drastically reduce emissions now, if we want to ensure a future we can live in? Is it ok to fly for anything other than really urgent causes any more?
Sure - the future might hold lower emissions ways to fly. But not now. Are our “rights” to fly (and many other carbon emitting things we do without much regard) more important that our children and grandchildren’s rights to live in a reasonable climate?
If we all say our rights to live as we have in the past are paramount, how can we make the emissions reductions we need to? In dark times, I feel that I should just give up on my climate activism and join the party that will see the end of people being able to live on this planet. Then I remember, it is not over until it is over, and I think the only way I can live with myself is to do everything I can to help create the more desirable and enjoyable low carbon future we need.
So - back to my decision about Glasgow…. I have decided to go as I want to make sure the voices of those who believe Australia can be a positive and impactful part of the future are heard. Loudly and clearly. I believe that Australia has a number of incredible natural assets that can help us in the future, and I want to share these ideas with as many people as possible.
We have the longest continuing culture in the world living here, with great wisdom about our deep connection to Country - land, sky, water, fauna and flora - and the importance of understanding and tending to her. By moving to a relationship of caring and collaboration in diurnal and seasonal ways, we can find better ways of being in the world and create conditions where we all can thrive - most importantly Country.
We have some of the most abundant and rich renewable energy assets in the world - especially solar and wind. While the sun does not always shine, nor the wind always blow, we can take lessons from how we deal with water which comes from rain, which does not always fall… Storage and time appropriate usage goes a long way in ensuring we can extend our usage of these resources for when we need them.
And we have some of the most ingenious people who can create great things from whatever they are given. Think:
Black box flight recorder
Spray-on skin
Electronic pacemaker
Google Maps
Medical application of penicillin
Polymer bank notes
Cochlear implant (bionic ear)
Electric drill
Once we have the right direction and rules in place, we can create glorious new approaches to living, that brings the wisdom of our traditional custodians and the richness of our renewable assets to life now. We need our governments to provide the wind in our sails, not strong head winds and turbulence.
So - I am going to Glasgow, and will ensure my handprint (benefits of what I do) is larger than my footprint (costs of what I do), while enjoying my travels with my great friend Nat and others I will meetup with :-)