Earth.
If there is one thing every human being has in common, it’s that we were all born on this planet. In the distant future perhaps we will have native-born Martians to contend with but for now, at least, Mother Earth remains our one shared home.
And what a home it is! Seven continents that are filled with diverse peoples, verdant flora and incredible fauna. You could spend your entire life travelling this planet and still find new things to see and do.
I’ve made no secret I love nature, when I’m not cooped up in my house writing, reading, painting or gaming. I love going for hikes and photographing wildlife and swimming through cool and clear water at beaches. Protecting and preserving that natural world is important to me.
Growing up as a kid I remember hearing a lot about environmental topics. While in previous generations Climate Change and Global Warming were largely viewed as a debate, for most young people these days it’s a simple fact of life.
Humans have changed the Earth and we’re now living through the consequences of that fact. One need only look at the wildfires that have raged across Canada, Australia and parts of the United States in recent years to see a direct result of rising global temperatures. While wildfires have always been a fact of life the scale to which these blazes can now grow, especially after drought conditions like the ones we face this year are new.
Likewise, sea levels continue to rise as the ice caps melt threatening coastal communities and cities. While here in 100 Mile House rising sea levels won’t directly affect us, should parts of major cities like Vancouver ever become flooded out those displaced people will have to move somewhere.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. I find that, oftentimes, when we talk about the environment and climate change we take a very pessimistic and apocalyptic view. That just makes people throw up their hands and say there’s nothing we can do, so why bother trying?
Yet there are little things we can all do in our everyday lives to help out. On an individual level, we can use our cars less, fix and repair items rather than buying a replacement, eat less meat, grow a garden and dozens of other small changes that, collectively, will make a difference.
We can also ensure our political representatives are taking steps to protect and care for our environment and ensure that big corporations are doing the same. As unpopular as it has become, the Carbon tax is an effort to try and encourage businesses to invest in renewables rather than fossil fuels. Ensuring these policies primarily target large polluters rather than everyday Canadians will be key going forward.
There is also new technology and energy sources being developed right now that will help us thrive for generations to come. It will take time to implement this infrastructure, of course, but I’d remind people that 100 years ago owning a car here in the Cariboo was seen as a novelty.
So this Earth Day enjoy the beauty of our home but also think of ways you can ensure your children’s children will be able to enjoy it the same way.