Question: Whose responsibility is climate change?
Transcript:Well I mean first and foremost with respect to climate, we . . . we can and must enact legislation which is proportionate to the very serious challenge we face; which would be massive, mandatory emissions reductions. I think also, you know, we’re going to have to tax carbons and reinvest, you know, those funds in developing green and alternative energy sources, and growing a green economy in this country and in other countries around the world. So there’s a series of very concrete solutions that I think we can and must take right away; but again as I outlined earlier, I think that ultimately what’s most important is what each and every person at an individual level is called to do, and who they are called to be on this planet. And I think we need to build a global consciousness and commitment to community, and to living our lives in ways that befit the gift of life we’re given for a short period of time on this planet. And I do believe that at a cultural level, part of that gift bestowed on us obligates us to give back. And I think that requires a fundamental reorientation as to who we are and how we are; and a real invitation to live our lives in a day-to-day way with integrity. So what I’m talking about is a . . . not just structural adjustments which need to be made in almost every . . . almost every issue area imaginable, whether it’s giving free and affordable healthcare to everybody in this country, or addressing the climate collapse; but also the invitation to each of us at an individual level to really tackle the responsibility of ensuring that we’re part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.
Recorded on: 8/13/07
Discuss
Jonathan Dormody on January 7, 2008, 12:54 PM
I agree 100%, but I fear (at least in America) our consumer and convienience mindset will hold us back from quick change. I think, if anything, we need to really approach the problem by hitting people with the affect of climate change on their children (or something that hits close to home).
Jonathan Dormody on January 7, 2008, 5:54 PM
I agree 100%, but I fear (at least in America) our consumer and convienience mindset will hold us back from quick change. I think, if anything, we need to really approach the problem by hitting people with the affect of climate change on their children (or something that hits close to home).
S Brown on February 2, 2008, 5:43 PM
I agree with Gillian. There seems to be a mindset in the US & Canada that it's business as usual and that government is 'taking care of the problem'. I suppose this is a comfortable position to assume. It does not help when the present governments seem to perpetuate that mindset. I won't speculate on their motives.
But I do suggest that we all pocket our collective cynicism and get out en masse to support any candidate at the local, state/provincial and federal levels of government, that we feel is best equipped to tackle the problem head on.
Furthermore, we all know several people who are ignorant or in denial of the problem – spread the word to anyone who would listen!
S Brown on February 2, 2008, 10:43 PM
I agree with Gillian. There seems to be a mindset in the US & Canada that it’s business as usual and that government is ‘taking care of the problem’. I suppose this is a comfortable position to assume. It does not help when the present governments seem to perpetuate that mindset. I won’t speculate on their motives.
But I do suggest that we all pocket our collective cynicism and get out en masse to support any candidate at the local, state/provincial and federal levels of government, that we feel is best equipped to tackle the problem head on.
Furthermore, we all know several people who are ignorant or in denial of the problem – spread the word to anyone who would listen!
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