The planet is in crisis. We have seen the parched landscape this summer and felt the heat of our warming climate – the warmest seven years on record have been since 2015. We have witnessed a severe decline in nature during our lifetimes. Again and again those impacted the hardest by intersecting crises – the climate crisis, pollution, the cost of living crisis – are the most marginalized and vulnerable in our societies.
We have come to a landmark point where humanity needs to decide which path we will choose:
A path of continued globalization and economic growth – favouring large corporations, big technology and industrialised agriculture – heavily reliant on continued fossil fuel use, the exploitation of natural resources and cheap human labour and poor working terms and conditions.
Or
A path towards a more human-scale future – promoting locally-based economies, justice and equality – celebrating diversity, relationship and collaboration, in which we all take responsibility to care for our families, our communities and the land.
Are we content to play the role of consumers, pawns in a game of power and profiteering for a few at the expense of the natural world and the wider population? Or will we choose to stand up for our humanity, in solidarity with those who are most impacted, and unite around the things we have in common – the desire to love and be loved, a deep, innate need for connection and the right to a healthy environment?
There are solutions within our reach. Wherever you look things are happening – local food initiatives, repair cafes, zero-waste shops, renewable energy projects, campaign action groups, cycling schemes and other community projects. Initiatives are springing up at a local level, diverse and vibrant, aimed at bringing cleaner air, healthier food, more local work, active travel and building community. Thinking globally, acting locally.
The future is not set. Can we take this opportunity to use our collective power to co-create a brighter, more equitable future?
Keep it simple.
We all have the power to choose where to focus our attention to help create future scenarios that centre hope, compassion and cooperation, through individual and collective action.
Hold a vision of a better world. Take positive action where you can. Support those bringing changes that you want to see.
Taking action is easier when we take small steps to improve things that are part of our daily lives, or that we love and enjoy.
Like walking? Join a march in solidarity with those campaigning for a cause that you empathise with; or join/organise a walk to raise awareness of an issue you care about.
Like writing? Write a letter of support to someone doing something you admire; write a magazine article, blog or social media post on an issue important to you or write to your MP; write a poem or letter to the Earth (www.letterstotheearth.com) – and do share it with us!
Love cooking? Try out new plant-based recipes for friends/family; host a community meal; bake produce to sell locally.
Like gardening or growing food? Grow plants to encourage birds, butterflies and pollinators; get involved with Westcott Community Garden (soon to be launched); share your knowledge with others; join Westcott Gardening Club.
Feeling creative? Paint or draw your vision for the future; print a banner; compile a mood board of the things that bring you joy to help you focus on what is important to you.
If you have a particular skill or interest, eg crafting, renewable energy, finance, birdwatching, baking bread, consider running a workshop, hosting a talk or hosting an interest group.
Real change comes from the grassroots. We can consciously choose which narrative to feed each day. Saying no to fear, denial and division and yes to love, courage and humility. When we support each other and work together towards shared values we are powerful!
Jakki Phillips
*for more information on any of the above, if you would like to be involved in Westcott Community Garden or contribute in any way please get in touch info@greenwestcott.org