Communication has meant we can spread the word that we are facing major ecological challenges. People outside the field of science can understand that we are living unsustainable lives and politicians can use qualitative data to understand the real problems we face. So, with all the evidence and with a large majority of people suggesting that climate change is real and that change is needed, why have we not acted swiftly? It almost feels like humanity, in general, is not going to act straight away but rather wait until the very limit of environmental disaster until we change our ways. Why is this?
I feel that we are waiting until the last minute for a number of reasons. Firstly, perhaps it is how survival occurs in nature. We shall exploit the bounty of extracting natural resources and utilizing powerful machines until we absolutely have to change. In essence, we shall continue to be unsustainable for as long as we can get away with it. Examples could be seen in nature also, with animals eating certain prey until they absolutely have to resort to another one.
Secondly, we may be waiting until the last minute because we are in a situation which is so unique to any animal to walk the earth. By being sustainable, we are asking people to sacrifice their current living conditions for something that they cannot see, feel or even be alive to witness. I feel that this second point delves into the logic of survival and the logic within the human brain which is not conscious. Throughout evolution and the survival of our species, our minds have only had to act in the now. We can only really act on what is in front of us, to ensure we stay alive.
My worry is that living a sustainable life can only be achieved in a number of ways. I think these solutions shall be explored in later posts. Thank you for reading.
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