In defense of boomers
As I peruse the internet for news, I often come across many social media sites that seem intently focused on pinning the blame on Boomers for a variety of reasons, including, inaction on climate change. Although some criticism for complacency is warranted, not all Boomers are culpable for every human induced disaster that are occurring today.
Science predicted extreme weather change decades ago, and although research was stark in its warnings, those elected to lead, selectively and blatantly turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the extremes we now face. Big business, special interest, and greed were fundamental in concealing public awareness, creating disinformation and propaganda, and blocking legal means for active change to lower carbon emissions, so we could all simply share clean water, clean air and cohabitate on a healthy Earth.
Although stymied by the establishment, there were many Boomers who called for action and took to protest to demand accountability and immediate change to end the destruction of the environment which has paved the way for the disasters we confront today.
Critical commentary from the younger generation, chastising, grouping and blaming all the older generation for the very real problems faced today, is simply unfair, inaccurate and categorically false. Countless Boomer activists demanded social change, equality, environmental protection and a better life for all. They demonstrated in numbers and their spirit and voice did not waiver or yield. These “seniors” were at the front lines of demonstrations, bringing the public information and awareness, exposing corruption and greed and demanding an end to “business as usual” to ensure positive, pivotal change.
Many were arrested, charged and served time for their activism.
The call to end all wars was at the forefront of activists' demand for world harmony.
For centuries, wars have ravaged both human and animal life, destroying topographies, rivers, oceans, forests, and untold habitats and the species that reside within them.
The pain, suffering and anguish caused by weapons built by humans to destroy, maim and kill other humans and anything else in the way is unfathomable.
If not for many Boomers' activism, we would be further entangled in increased social injustice, inequality, and further environmental destruction and peril.
Far more needs to be accomplished to guarantee liberty for all, including personhood for the environment and its inhabitants. Recognizing the dedicated efforts of the activists of the past, present and future cannot be denied. The voice of Justice cannot be silenced.
This past Tuesday, I was elated to learn that The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, France, listened to the voices of more than 2,000 women of Switzerland, with most protestors over the age of 70!
These Boomers convened in protest, to voice their concern that climate change is threatening their quality of life, undermining their health, and placing themselves at risk of a premature death due to the increase of global weather disasters.
This court found that the Swiss government had violated some of the women's rights.
It is the first time that a court of law has ruled in this manner of climate change litigation.
Instead of dissonance, young and old must come together in a continued call for activism for change to steward a healthy planet. The power of Sister/Brotherhood of all ages seeking safety, and compassion for all, will always endure.
To the Swiss women protestors, your courage is contagious.
I salute you, all the way from Vacaville, California.
*** Greenpeace has been one of those steadfast organizations with compelling credibility that has been very dear to some Boomers. After decades of prolific work, they continue their mission of animal and environmental protection, including defending the hunted whales by Japanese whalers who hunt, under the phony guise of scientific research.
So, when Greenpeace tells us to be aware that illegal and corrupt forestry practices are ransacking the forests of Rumania, we should all listen, heed their warnings and act for change. Greenpeace has sounded the alarm that the furniture giant IKEA, appears to have sold its furniture in the UK from the sordid harvesting of old growth forests which wreaks havoc on the life and ecosystem these magnificent, ancient forests provide.
Greenpeace tells us that the Romanian Carpathians were a key harbor for plants and animals, including vital habitat to lynx, brown bears, wolves and European bison.
This respected organization also informs us, that leaders and companies are intentionally avoiding identifying areas of old growth forests to sidestep restrictions.
It is a sacrilege to rape and pillage old forests such as this one.
Official data alludes that around 7% of the forest are more than 120 years of age, yet only the remaining 2.4% is planned for protection. This precious ecosystem must be protected now.
The research provided by Greenpeace found that old growth forests with trees 120-180 years of age on average, were being logged in two sites designated to conserve wildlife and habitat under the European Union, however protection varies, enabling Big Biz exploits.
Greenpeace revealed that IKEA, which sells bed frames, step stools, sofas, cribs and cutting boards. is the primary culprit of such destruction.
Robert Cyglicki, Director of Biodiversity at Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe stated,
“Old forest is vital to the planet's health and must be immediately protected. IKEA must live up to its own sustainable promises and clean its supply chain from old growth forest destruction.” He added, “IKEA must become a corporate front runner for the needed political action to put in place legally binding and effective biodiversity protection measures to fulfill Europe's biodiversity targets.”
IKEA responded, “We are currently going through the Greenpeace report in detail, we take information about the risk of violation of internal and external forestry requirements very seriously. We welcome a transparent dialogue and look forward to discuss the matter further once we have a chance to read the full report,”
If not for many Boomers' activism, we would be further entangled in increased social injustice, inequality, and further environmental destruction and peril.