Another December, another COP climate summit. Every year, as everyone winds down for the Christmas holidays, politicians and negotiators descend on a conference centre somewhere in the world to decide our planet’s future. Or that’s how it seems. I’ve been following these summits for years now. Some feel more hopeful than others, but you never know at the time what will become of all the pledges and agreements.
Nature is integral to our day to day living. That might be obvious, but it’s true nonetheless, sometimes in ways we overlook. Yes, we depend on nature’s cycles and systems to breathe, eat, drink. To survive. But we also depend on nature for wellbeing. Working in arts for wellbeing, it strikes me a lot how creativity boosts wellbeing – but all the more when it helps us connect with nature. Painting a tree or drawing a bird or crocheting leaves are absorbing and calming, all the more because they’re an opportunity to be mindful in nature, to observe and to respond to what we see. Many of us find it easier to be mindful and to slow down in nature. So when we feel that nature’s under threat, it can be doubly distressing.
A few years ago I spoke with a small group of students about summits like COP. Soon afterwards I spoke to another small group, this time of adults aged 25-40. It was evident that the students were far more hopeful and positive about the summits than were the older group. We get disillusioned the more missed opportunities we see. But it isn’t always that straightforward. I’m now 40, and sometimes I feel hopeful that real change will be agreed, and sometimes I don’t.
For 15 years now I’ve been part of Green Christian, a faith-based membership organisation. It’s one of hundreds of smaller environmental organisations across the world. But for me this is where a lot of grassroots thinking, change and support happens – in smaller organisations and groups. It feels a lot more tangible and real than remote policy making. It’s all about raising awareness, and drawing in communities, and talking about what inspires us. And being open to sharing how many people feel about the global response – too little, too late.
Yes, climate summits need to happen. Yes, business and science need to develop new technology. But for me, focusing on the grassroots, on small steps, on the everyday and the here and now, is where there’s hope. Experiencing nature up close too is so important: but not all the time dwelling on the threats it is under. Taking small positive actions instead. It’s all too easy for dwelling on negatives to drain energy and sap motivation. Sowing wildflower seeds on a verge won’t halt the climate emergency, but it might help us stay motivated, and so stay in the fight.
What do you think? It would be great if you have thoughts to share. Just go to Medley’s Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/359291215486002 Thank you.