ADAM OLSEN -- A sort of pre-extinction skepticism sets in and rather than focussing on finding solutions, we exacerbate problems through despair and malaise

According to Wikipedia, "a disturbance is a temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem. Disturbances often act quickly and with great effect, to alter the physical structure or arrangement of biotic and abiotic elements. A disturbance can also occur over a long period of time and can impact the biodiversity within an ecosystem."

It is safe to state emphatically that most of the ecological systems on earth suffer substantial disturbance. While Emily and I were working in the kitchen together the other evening, we got to talking about how overwhelming it is to consider the amount of effort necessary to get these systems functioning at their pre-disturbance level.

This frustration is quite likely causing for some a state of paralysis. If we are experiencing collapsing ecosystems and mass extinctions, some may even ask "what is the point of doing anything?” Others will say, "the challenge is too big! Let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die!"

A sort of pre-extinction skepticism sets in and rather than focusing on finding solutions, we exacerbate problems through despair and malaise.

There is no doubt that we need to make dramatic changes to how we live in our house. We do not have many more windows to smash. 

Stride forward

In a recent interview, my colleague Elizabeth May stated clearly:

IMAGE: Alan Forseth; taken during a
refresher hike in Wells Grey Park

"Incrementalism is out, and doing deals with people just for power, when our children's futures at stake is not something I will ever do. We cannot ever accept a government that thinks they can get away with tiny targets on climate which they then don't achieve. We have to do what's required."

In my opinion, this is the correct response from federal and provincial leaders.

Our governments have the resources and the responsibility to rapidly transition. We should be showing up with a plan and the will to address the crisis at hand.

This is not mutually exclusive from a personal drive to be constantly making minor improvements in our own life. That is the power of the people. If we all made the improvements, we can in our own operations, we would see incredible change globally.

In essence, that is what I'm attempting to capture in this blog.

From my morning walks, to moments of mindful meditation, nutrition and spending quality time with my family, I'm starting with the things in my immediate control.

By improving whatever aspects of my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being I can, I am showing up as a better advocate, more critical thinker and hopefully a better decision-maker.

The results have been dramatic.