We survived for several millennia thanks to our ability to adapt to change. Right now, we are faced with several major challenges. Whether or not we master them will decide our survival as a specie.

As much as in times past, the changes we had to adapt to were limited in scope, this time, we’re forced to transform our civilization, lives, ourselves, and – perhaps most importantly – our standards. Worse, we have to do that ASAP.

Our civilization is predatory. Our industry, economy; our treatment of the environment, animals, and each other is exploitative.

The civilization we all benefit from operates on fossil fuels and destruction of the ecosystem. The focus of the world economy is on “growth”. If you stop and think about it, “growth” means exhausting limited natural resources and finite Earth, FASTER while accelerating climate change. It also means promoting demand (consumerism!) and encouraging population growth to create a larger market for the ever-growing supply.

We’re all familiar with the expression “passing the cost to consumers” in the context of inflation. The civilizational and economic “growth” we’re pursuing is doing just that in another context as well. While a relatively small group of people is accumulating massive wealth, the cost of environmental exploitation and destruction is being passed to us in form of more frequent “natural” disasters and the catastrophic speed of climate change.

The pursuit of illusory “growth” negatively impacts the average consumer and inflicts untold suffering on populations of developing countries.

On a social level, we exploit one another. We don’t see the person next to us as more vulnerable and deserving of support but as an opportunity to benefit from. Worse, we exploit ourselves, too! Be it by overworking, neglecting our legitimate needs, or compromising ourselves for some imaginary gain of one sort or another.

The fraction of time and energy available to an individual for the pursuit of his or her happiness is focused on: achieving financial and social success as well as having a gratifying intimate relationship and creating family

Between work life and personal agenda, we are too busy to care about much else.
• few of us have – or take – the time for personal development
• fewer yet, prepare for climate change and the significant adjustments we’ll all have to make to slow it down

The massive challenge of the climate crisis is already here. The progress toward slowing climate change, restoring the ecosystem, and living sustainably is painfully slow for many reasons.

A sudden change into sustainable civilization isn’t possible. Except for Greece, the first country already powered by clean energy, other countries have no infrastructure or sufficient clean energy supply to make such a transition. Should such a transition be forced, the very staples of our civilization and society would collapse. There’d be no functional emergency systems, schools, hospitals, food distribution, utilities, transportation, you name it. In addition to the lack of infrastructure and clean energy supply, there is resistance out there. There are huge economic and political forces that stand to lose their wealth and/or power. The average consumer isn’t prepared or willing to compromise their standard of living, leave alone make sacrifices.

“Every transformation precedes the letting go of your previous state.” Levi Ramos

Keep in mind: the new “more” will be LESS!

One of the most remarkable reasons for ignoring the impending threat of climate change to our survival is our resistance to redefining existing concepts, definitions, and standards (including moral standards).

The life-saving transition into sustainability HAS TO start with a transformation of our definitions and standards.

THE DEFINITION OF PROGRESS

What does progress mean? “More and better”, right? With the climate crisis already upon us, more and better is self-indulgent, destructive, and self-destructive.

In this stage of our evolution, progress is anything that lowers consumption and reduces the stress on the ecosystem. Progress is having no – or fewer – children. Progress is consuming less. Progress is abstaining from meat. Progress is becoming more self-sufficient. Progress is conserving and restoring the natural environment. Progress is rethinking social and economic justice. (The wealthiest and the poorest among us need air, water, food, and shelter to survive. Their immediate survival needs are the same. Why should one have too much to the detriment of the other?)

THE DEFINITION OF INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

 

As it is, money is where it’s at. Most wealth is directly or indirectly connected to the acceleration of climate change. By extension, the person who has the most money is the most destructive. Should such a “successful” person be celebrated or shamed?…

THE DEFINITION OF A ROLE MODEL

Many of our most popular celebrities are examples of consumerism taken to excess.

Nothing about three outfit changes a day, private jets, and steak dinners deserves admiration; it deserves to be admonished, not envied! After all, we all stand to live a bit shorter due to one celebrity’s exaggerated sense of self-importance.

The role model for today should be someone with academic education and practical DIY skills who can live without petroleum; doesn’t care about fast fashion and avoids animal products. A person who is resourceful, thrifty, empathetic, and climate change-aware.

“Transformation isn’t a future event, it’s a present day activity.” Jillian Michaels

THE DEFINITION OF CHARITY

Charity is a public demonstration of wealth with a fraction of the wealth given to the “needy”. No one wants charity, but a little EMPATHY could change the world!

“When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.” Joseph Campbell

(It breaks my heart every year when TV news show homeless children gifted with back-to-school backpacks and shoes. Charity is less helpful than a band-aid. Ensuring that just a few of the families “served” are helped off the street and into housing and jobs would be money so much better spent!)

HOW SHOULD OUR STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS CHANGE

Think of you and me as the thinnest, most fragile branches of a tree. In order of importance, it’s the tree, and its old, solid branches. You and I are transient and – in the larger scheme of things – replaceable.

The tree is the Earth. The old, strong branches represent ALL the life on Earth. Our standards and definitions should reflect it.

*

The first priority for everyone today should be the survival of our planet.

“The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.” Bill Clinton

Imagine sitting on a sinking ship. What would you think about? Economy, your career, what outfit to wear to impress people, or that the girl on the left of you looks great? NO! You’ll be laser-focused on getting on a rescue boat and saving your life.

Survival takes precedence over EVERYTHING ELSE: progress, success, vanity, and personal comfort.

The bad news is our ship is in trouble. The good news is we still have some time to take responsibility for it.

“If you seek change, take responsibility.” Daniel Mangena

Start where you are. Now.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” Edmund Burke

 

 

This episode of the Evolving Show podcast is available also on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Anchor
Sticher
Pandora
iHeartRadio

To leave a comment scroll down the page. No login required!