Purpose

Dear Partners in Green,

In the site IDEAS.TED.COM, I found an article regarding the climate crisis and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a war responsible for unspeakable suffering and destruction. And a war which “in many ways, is an energy war.” 

The fear is that climate change will be put on hold for a later date, which the article states “would put the existential effort to decarbonize the global economy at risk of becoming collateral damage of the war – and that would be catastrophic.”

The author, Bruno Giussani, goes on to ask the question:

“Can we be outraged about the war, worry about energy security and fight climate change all at the same time?” He continues, “Those goals are not necessarily at odds, but will require a clear-eyed understanding of the dramatic forces now at work, both economically and geopolitically.”

What does that say to us? What can we do? What are our options?

We can live in dread and fear, give up on hopes of a bright future with peace restored, and climate change the highest of priorities. That is, we can go back to business as usual. Which means giving up on reversing climate change.

But what we must do is hold on tight to a sense of purpose, and lean into the energy that purpose provides. By definition, purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction and create meaning.

And what greater purpose than to work to ensure our children and children’s children have a healthy planet on which to live and to thrive. And all we can do is do our best. We can’t control the rest of the world, but we can do what we can do, that is double – down on our conservation efforts and look ahead to a peaceful and sustainable world.

For Giussani states that not just climate scientists, climate experts, or climate activists, but everyone who cares about keeping the planet welcoming for human life will hopefully come together around the challenge.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his inaugural speech in 2019 gave a fitting message that we need to hear:

“We will build the country of other opportunities….and for that we need people in power who will serve the people. This is why I really do not want my picture in your offices, for the president is not an icon or a portrait. Hang your kids’ photos instead and look at them each time you are making a decision.”

Then maybe consider planting another tree in your yard, or a plant or two that the honey bees might enjoy. And how about that letter to the editor, or that application to join a conservation organization?

I invite you to read the whole article. See the reference below.

And now for a little encouragement. An oldie but goodie from Tom Petty and some friends:

Thank you for being on this journey.

Till next time,
Beth