Sat here on a bean bag near the fire, with the Christmas lights twinkling over head, it feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect a little. Over the last few months I've explored a wide range of reasons to be hopeful, and why we ourselves are so powerful in contributing towards positive change.
From innovative individuals like Luke Penks, founder of A Greater Mass (an app that guides planet-friendly decision making), and those at the frontline of the Anthropocene, to the force of nature that was Wangari Maathai, and the healing power of trees that she spread across Kenya, to the big commitments companies are making, such as UCL reducing waste, and Burts Bees funding the mapping of the world's 6000 bee species. By tying all of these different types of actions together it will be possible to minimise the human and environmental damage. Alone, we as individuals, companies and governments can have huge positive (or negative..) impacts, but working together in the same direction, we are an unstoppable force.
This is fortunate, because the roots of our environmental problems are very tricky nuts to crack; over-population and over-consumption. Charities such as Population Matters are striving to tackle both of these. They highlight the importance of education, women's empowerment and reconnecting with nature - all actions that you don't initially think of as conservation, but that are in fact incredibly important.
Reconnecting with nature can help us to gage our position in the world. Understanding that energy and elements flow through and between ecosystems, through plants, through animals, through us, can aid mindful consumption. Not to mention that more time spent outdoors in nature will lead to improved physical and mental health.
To finish up, we live on a planet full of wonders. From the Amazon rainforest and coral reefs, to lichen growing on trees in the park and jewel-bright flowers exploding from window boxes. Taking the time to appreciate these is a huge leap helping to solve the various issues around us. So, next time you're out and about, and a blue tit cheeps from a tree, take a minute to enjoy it. When the daffodils start rearing their heads in a few months, savour their progress from tiny shoots to leafy ribbons to sunshine flowers. When the trees finally produce buds, rejoice in the arrival of spring. Yes there may be many problems, but focusing in on them too much can make us lose hope. Today is for appreciating and learning from what we still have, to ensure it's still there tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
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