Saturday 22 August 2020

Thoughts on XR and the future


How long do we have left?

I admit to have become uneasy about Extinction Rebellion and some of their tactics that have resulted in physical damage. Its difficult, as I believe that the non-violent civil-disobedience strategy has much merit but I cannot see much being achieved, nor do I see a way out.

Is 'Climate Emergency' just a tick?
Announcements by local authorities and well-meaning organisations declaring “Climate Emergencies” seem simply to be talking shop statements, announced to earn a political green tick or to gain a warm internal glow rather than achieving anything meaningful.

What can we do?
In the ‘real world’ my own efforts to separate household rubbish, starting a compost bin, growing a few vegetables in a pot and not to drive seem meagre gestures towards retention of a habitable planet for my children and their children.
Today I looked into the innocent smiling eyes of my newest grandson. I admit it was hard as thoughts came of just what are we leaving him? How strong do messages need to be before it is realised we really are moving towards the eradication of human life?

Powerless?
I look around and see so many unwilling to even contemplate the need for even the smallest of changes, let alone actually make any.
And worse of all I feel powerless to do anything about it.

The thoughts above came after watching this video, a new film from Extinction Rebellion, a 30-minute version of the XR Introductory Talk about climate change and how it is affecting all life on the planet.