Making a Difference within our Control

Just when we think our individual actions may not really matter,

that no one notices or even cares what we think or do, much less listens to us, something happens that reaffirms our faith. I am talking about the environment and what we can do about it.

In recent weeks we’ve seen both the US and Canadian bills on climate change stalled in their respective political systems, we’ve seen our parliamentarians waffling about our environmental commitments, we’ve seen Canada’s international reputation tarnished, and we’ve read about the so-called ‘Climategate’ scandal where the credibility of research data on global warming trends was seriously undermined. We wonder whether all the conflicting stories and political rhetoric we hear are even worth bothering about since the experts don’t seem to be sure.

Yet I feel very heartened...

China, India and the U.S. have all come out with strong supporting statements acknowledging the global warming problem and committing to do their part to solve it. The newspapers are filled every day with balanced reporting, not only about the scope and magnitude of the problem but also about significant progress that has and is being made in improved technologies.

I think that whether or not the Climate talks in Copenhagen are successful at achieving consensus and binding commitments , we have reached a “Tipping Point” (to quote Malcolm Gladwell), a watershed of consciousness that will now allow us to go forward, and not backward.

I had the opportunity to tell Dr. Suzuki that many of you did contact our politicians after following the link to his foundation website. When someone as important and busy as Dr. David Suzuki takes the time to send a personal, handwritten note congratulating all the people who wrote to tell our government we care, then it shows there really is a way we can make a difference.  Our actions have had an impact since our politicians are in Copenhagen, even though they might be embarrassed for not doing enough in the past.

With the momentum of the world along side of us now, all the individual actions that we take in choosing ‘green’, in whatever small or large ways that are within our control, will matter. Our neighbours and colleagues, friends and family will notice our actions and we will have a sense of satisfaction that we can make a difference, within our community and to the earth.

If you want to find out more about how you can make a difference, please contact Dayle at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

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