In the face of climate change, do our individual actions matter?
Originally in Finnish, this video has decent English subtitles. Good enough that I know I sympathize with every perspective offered here; like the video’s creator/narrator, I struggle to find a definitive position. Ultimately, I do tend to think that individual action matters, if only because none of us are truly isolated (even if we feel like we are). Taking positive steps and putting thought into action (clichés though they most certainly are) do nudge cultural change.
At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that recycling one aluminum can is not going to reverse climate change; when it comes down to who actually has the ability to make a significant difference to the world ecologically, the big players are not individuals, but institutions–governments and corporations, especially BIG governments and corporations (I’m looking at you, U. S. of A.).
A good place to think. (Dublin, Ireland, February 2014.)
Personally, my individual actions are somewhat limited right now, but we’re all limited in some way (I don’t really have much of an excuse, is what I’m saying). That said, one of the individual actions I want to be more definite about is breaking my “Internet addiction.” On a scale of 1-10, my “addiction” is probably something like a 5; I rarely check my phone and don’t miss Internet when I don’t have ready access to WiFi. That said, when I have easy WiFi access, I find it hard to peel away. I’ve had an email account for over half my life and I don’t even remember when I published my first website (way, way, WAY before I needed one).
I’ve spent a lot of time recently pruning the kiwis, and while pruning the kiwi plants some more today, I realized that the cherry trees are also in desperate need of a haircut. All I can say is HOORAY, because the weather has suddenly turned downright summery and all I want is to be outside. As much as I try to stick to a schedule with this blog, sometimes the kiwis (and about a thousand other things today) are calling. My goal is to continue my Monday-Wednesday-Friday posting schedule, but I may be integrating more videos, images, and links posts.
I’m also open to suggestions. What interests you the most? What do you get the most out of? What would you like me to talk about more? Less? Let me know in the comments section!
I Am Not An Environmentalist 