Sustainability and climate change are inextricably connected just as organs in our anatomy are important for us to function properly. Depending on how sustainable humans are will cause for deviations in the Earth’s body system. Erratic behavior, such as unhealthy indulgences, will result in consequences that are hard for us to stomach. Currently, the sustainability practices of nations are lackluster and scientists are constantly warning us of the dire projections that are being done with their climate models. To be sustainable, we can still reach our needs but in a way that benefits the Earth as a whole.
When nations and humans think individualistically, they are not thinking about the Commons, which is basically what every person needs to survive. The Commons are communal resources, which can be passed down generation to generation. When I hear about the rate of deforestation, rising ocean acidification, a rapidly depleting Arctic ice shelf, droughts in one area and severe weather in other regions, it’s clear to see that humans are having an adverse effect on the Earth. The Commons should include the Earth but at the rate we are going, it becomes difficult to see what will be left for generations to come. There is this Native American proverb that I love which is, “We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children.” To be sustainable, we live resources for others as well as keep the Earth’s body healthy. Obviously, we have not done a great job of being sustainable as climate change shows us that we are not treating our home in a respectful manner.
In accordance with the Commons, it is inspiring to see how individuals are taking action in order to make a contribution for a change in lifestyle. In a sense, people are being their own Green Ninja’s as well as trying to be Green Ninjas for others. However, it is hard for a small portion of the population to try to do what is right, but come up short as a result of businesses and lobbyists continue to usher in business first mentality instead of Earth first. Unfortunately they fail to understand that without an Earth, there will be no business. It is inspiring to at least see that people are still going forth with their sustainable practices, even if it is a small collection of individuals. Slowly the movement will pick up as climate change becomes increasingly evident. As Margaret Meade once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful individuals, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”