Act Now and Spread the Word

This week, I attended some of the Sydney Writers festival events, including an evening session in Sydney Town Hall called "You've Been Warned" which was a joint presentation and Q&A by three Authors, Paul Gilding, Naomi Oreskes, and Curt Stager who discussed the issues around climate change and the current political climate where delay and denial are given place.

After the excellent discussions, one of the questions related to what the individual could do to play their part in the changes that are essential and urgent, to at least minimise the impact of a warming planet. The answer that came was good, and pointed to the role that we all have to play in our own communities, but there was no time to elaborate on how.

We all consider these issues when we vote, in choosing what to read, and we listen to others, but that's only part of what we can do. Action is important and that can start anywhere.

We each have a talent, and so that's the first place to start with change. Look at your work, and how that can change. Does you office recycle, or could you suggest lighting improvements? If you are in a trade, how could that change, eg use sustainable paints, or think of your next vehicle in terms of reducing fossil fuel use? Could your factory fit solar panels, or change the hot water system? If you work with others, such as a teacher, or health worker, set an example of how you travel and how you consume.

But most of all, tell others what you are doing and why! Act now, and spread the word. Actions can start small, like turning off devices at night, or taking the bus, or eating less meat. But actions only begin to impact when you tell others, and share what you are doing. A friend recently told me that she only buys wine from her local area, because she knows that it takes so much energy to transport heavy bottles. Each of us can find personal ways to change, and to make a point through individual actions. And speaking about our actions is empowering, and an important part of the process to change the perspective of others in the society.

Peak What?

The concept of Peak Oil is now well into mainstream communities, or so I thought. Last night I found myself at a function seated next to a well educated, newly retired IT professional, who seemed to be totally unaware of Peak Oil and its implications.

We are in the era of information, and we debate about how much we are told. Certainly, everyone in the group knew about Wiki-Leaks! But not Peak Oil? The media loves sensation, what's happening day by day, and that fills the news.

So how do we focus the important stuff, like Peak Oil, and how can this topic attract attention and compete with the daily dramas?

The end of the era of low cost oil is changing our way of life. Individually and globally, we need to be aware of this massive social transformation and the impact on us all. Understanding Peak Oil is the first step in adapting, by developing new options for travel and transport, and by re -shaping our many other oil dependant areas such as food production. Important issues are on the horizon but they are not on the front page of most newspapers nor on the evening TV news.

It seems, that many of us are just like the eyes in the rock, locked into seeing only what is put in front of us - with no interest in what is the reality.

PIc by Mary /Sculptures by the Sea 2009 Sydney