Written by David Steele

On October 29th, this year’s State of the Climate Report¹ was published. It’s a must read. Our situation is dire, but we can do something about it.

Opening with these words, 

“We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet’s vital signs are flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer future threats but are here now. This unfolding emergency stems from failed foresight, political inaction, unsustainable economic systems, and misinformation. Almost every corner of the biosphere is reeling from intensifying heat, storms, floods, droughts, or fires. The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing,” the report further notes, “A dangerous hothouse Earth trajectory may now be more likely due to accelerated warming, self-reinforcing feedbacks, and tipping points.”

But there is hope! Later in the document, the authors make these important points:

• “Climate change mitigation strategies are available, cost effective, and urgently needed. From forest protection and renewables to plant-rich diets, we can still limit warming if we act boldly and quickly.
• Social tipping points can drive rapid change. Even small, sustained nonviolent movements can shift public norms and policy, highlighting a vital path forward amid political gridlock and ecological crisis.
• There is a need for systems change that links individual technical approaches with broader societal transformation, governance, policies, and social movements.”

Clearly we need to act forcefully if we’re going to prevent ecological catastrophe. If we dramatically curtail our driving, flying, etc., move rapidly to renewable energy sources and collectively move towards plant-based diets, there is a lot of hope.

Indeed, a rapid movement towards plant-based diets would work near-miracles in countering this crisis.²

Let’s do it! Let’s lobby our representatives, work hard to convince others and make the necessary changes in our own lives as quickly as we can. The window of opportunity won’t stay open forever. Indeed, if we don’t act, it’ll close all too soon.