Surely no one will now deny that climate change is real. The past few years have convinced even the most adamant of deniers, that our planet is in trouble. Last week’s Climate Summit in Glasgow, revealed the weighty concerns held by those countries that are most affected by global warming. It made clear that we are running out of time and we must act swiftly to reverse the catastrophic events that we have been witnessing around the globe.
The problems we face are seemingly insurmountable. The poorer countries do not have the financial resources to work towards a more sustainable future; while the richer countries butt heads with coal, oil, and gas producers. Pledges have been made, but the overall consensus is that the summit was a disappointment. The outcome lacked clear and solid plans despite intentions. The true urgency of this situation was not fully understood.
As a permaculturist in training, I believe that nature based solutions are the real solutions that will help to turn the tide of pending disaster. I have often felt that I have personally fallen short in my efforts to live sustainably. I do not know if I am setting a good enough example for my children, my grandchildren, and my great grandchildren. I do not know if the words that I write are reaching others. What I do know, is that it is going to take all of us doing our part. It is going to require that we return to nature and embrace the wisdom of our ancestors. If we can learn again to tread lightly upon the Earth and to let nature be our guide, there will be hope for future generations. We are part of nature and when we honor nature within our own humanity, the answers to our problems will appear.
