The notion of humanity with one voice
The elephant in the room, amid all the flimflam of the political campaign, is the environment. I wrote that line a couple of weeks ago and how things have changed.
Granted, the elephant had given a few twitches, there were already large numbers paying attention. In the political arena, however, there was more talk than action.
Even as I write changes are happening. The massive uprising over much of the world demanding action indicates a whole new level of concern and action for our deteriorating environment.
And who inspired it? Youth. Listen to what Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish student, is saying in a blunt, powerful and emotional speech to the UN. “People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction. And all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”
The Friday school boycotts, which she instigated some time ago, have suddenly grown to massive protests. For example, an expected 15,000 in Vancouver turned into 80,000, or even 100,000 people in the streets. And here in Truro the Civic Square was crowded.
There are politicians who do pay attention, and even affirm that the environment is their top priority. Angela Merkel, who has carried the moral and political wisdom of the Western world for some time, is really pushing the environmental issue. More are joining the effort.
The politicians are not stupid. They pitch what sells. If we, the voters of the world, can focus on an issue beyond our immediate concerns, the political realm will follow. Granted, making ends meet is a struggle for many, and perhaps some policy will help a few. But we have been reminded that if the atmosphere keeps heating up, not much else matters.
Canada is in the midst of an election campaign, not usually a good time for taking the long look. But it is happening as politicians struggle to meet the sudden surge in environmental awareness.
One of the great strengths of the “climate crisis” (Thurberg’s words) uprising is its international and intergenerational nature. This movement is springing up from the grass roots involving the people of many countries. It is not bound by political loyalties or national boundaries. It is a massive uniting force that draws people of the Earth together with one voice. This could grow to the point where governments and industry are overwhelmed and must pay attention and act. This is life reasserting itself, and already we see good things happening.
I have said before that this movement does not arise directly from religious belief. But it has about it a religious fervor. The instinct for life is asserting itself from a profound place that is deeper than the rational mind. The intuitive awareness that we are in dire danger springs from the very foundation of our beings, especially among our youth. They see their hopes and dreams facing a catastrophic future and are forcing the world – and that means us – to pay attention.
The transformation required of us will not happen easily. None of us like radical change. It will require political will, corporate effort, education, effort from our social and religious institutions – the worship at First United Church last Sunday was powerful and pointed. The best minds and hearts in the world must put their – our –energy into developing the plans and strategies to bring about a sustainable environment and a just and peaceful world.
As we gather around our tables for Thanksgiving celebrations, we give thanks for all that has enabled and enriched our lives. And we look beyond our immediate circle and give thanks for an earth crying out through the youth of the world, and all who follow.
The Bible says, “a little child shall head them” (Isaiah 11:6), and we are seeing it happen.
And our thanksgiving must lead to a profound affirmation of the earth, and bring us to live in respect of this wondrous creation of which we are a part.