Us Western nations ("The North" or "Developed Countries", choose yer jargon) do have it pretty good. But it is time to focus all of our collective energies on: thinking about the mass use of alternate forms of energy; about changing the "agribusiness" before IT destroys the planet (this big business feeds mostly "us" (Westerners) directly or indirectly); about making urban areas which are sustainable and better places to live (cleaner, quieter, safer)....What I am getting at is we are at a critical time. Humanity has at its fingertips knowledge and information galore. Our minds have soared to many dizzying heights and yet the large majority of the population is not doing too shit hot. It is kinda depressing.
We are special. This planet is special. We need to practice tightening our priviledged belts. Some examples: eating more vegetarian food, demanding more organically produced foods, relying less on the combustion engine and walking and cycling more, purchasing less of everything, especially over-packaged items. Even little things help. Working within communities to help the world as a whole: grassroots organisations will save us. Maybe?
I appreciate growing up and residing in Canada. I love this country. But right now it is being torn into opposing sides. We are arguing with the USA over salmon when both countries ought to be striving for ways to protect these wild stock of fish, protect the entire ocean. The loggers and enviromentalists are at war over trees when they should be working together against the large logging companies. Money, money, money. Can't we at least preserve the remaining old growth forests? They are beautiful. Besides, in this climate it takes a lot longer for trees to grow, so it seems as if the long-term benefits are reduced.
I ramble. But my message is sincere. I hope there are enough folk out there who want to improve our home.
