Page 10 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2019

CHANGE cont’d from page 1
Norway’s marches drying up
I often walk or go for a bike ride to experience the environment – literally to taste the moisture in the air that’s missing most of the year. It looks and feels like we’re collectively at the point where our self-generated human systems are eclipsing the natural systems upon which we depend.
What I know for sure is that we need to fundamentally re-adjust our relationship with the planet. I know that I and my children want to live in a socially just and ecologically thriving culture.
Green technology is alive and well in many parts of the world and for someone like me, focusing on what’s working keeps me feeling positive. Others prefer focusing on environmental problems, as they are solution- oriented and thrive on solving high stakes challenges.
Others thrive on exploring and mapping the biodiverse richness a given environment holds–what’s working in there? What’s not?
Still others prefer to cultivate positivity through teaching children, planting trees and growing pesticide-free gardens.
All approaches nourish each other in intangible and quantifiable ways. The common thread we share is communication and caring for the environment that supports us.
Floodwaters as far as the eye can see wiping out entire communities
How can each of us in our own ways create a mutually satisfying relationship with the earth?
Even with a background in permaculture and ecology leadership, I sometimes wonder if my efforts are nothing more than a drop in the proverbial bucket of our planet’s destiny. The truth is, I can see the outcomes of my and my team’s efforts locally. I feel great about that!
Global outcomes are likely to happen by extension...through connected groups of like-hearted and like-minded people. I may or may not see that in my lifetime, yet am super stoked to discover it!
How about you? What excites you? What propels you to reach out? More than likely, the world needs you.
10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 4/19
Intense fires fed by dry conditions combined with high wimd
How about you? What excites you? What propels you to reach out? More than likely, the world needs you.