RAYS OF LIGHT poured through the trees. This minuscule moment in time had the mystique of mythical
Camelot, I thought, as I walked through the morning dazzle of fall. Like a fragile fantasy made real, idyllic happiness was, and perhaps still is, ours for the taking after the billions of years it took for organic life to burst forth upon Earth.
For thousands of years it’s been a playground for humankind yet taking our only home for granted, wars and disagreements have brought us to an odd pivotal point. Did you hear about the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report? Turns out that the knights in shining armour galloping to our rescue needs to be all of us.
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| Sandy Trail, Crescent Beach, Surrey, BC |
We have a dozen years, scientists say,
“… for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.”
They say there's no need to panic or to shy away from the uncomfortable truths in the report because keeping temperatures down to that level IS doable. The tricky part is that we would need to make unprecedented changes.
Carbon pollution would have to be cut by 45% by 2030. That’s overwhelming in societies where many see no problem at all. But if we dare to pay more now instead gamble with life later, we might be surprised at how well we rise to the call.
It's a chance to move forward with better habits reminiscent of earlier times, before households with three cars became common.
Less traffic, less consumption, more backyard gardens and nature-friendly activities from big and small business could extend the human story in this cosmic realm.
We know what to do but is there the will to add to the chapters of our fantastic tale.
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| Crescent Beach, Surrey, BC |
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| Still the kid I used to be |
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Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes.
I'm worried too. I don't want to lose the beauty you've shared. Our lives depend on it.
ReplyDeleteI worry too Maria; we've been discussing that report. Your misty woods are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat last picture of sea, sky and the bird is just perfect. I also like the earlier photos of the light between the trees and bushes. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChallenging times ahead for us all. We saw a movie display at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore a few ago. Sobering to say the least. We need to do what we can to save everything around us that we take for granted. Joining you today from Our World Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteWow, these are gorgeous photos. I love the scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Looks like a great place for a walk, love the sun's rays. Beautiful Autumn leaves and flowers. Lovely view from the beach. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous scenery...like walking thru a mystical magical land.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful your pictures, especially the first two, they have such an ambiance !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of photos ~ ethereal and others so colorful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Many see it as a global problem and not an individual's problem. People will not do it voluntarily so governments throughout the world must impose restrictions on us all if they are serious about tackling climate change.
ReplyDeleteSuch an excellent point. Electing people who understand climate change is real and that something CAN be done to mitigate the damage globally is key. Also, all of us could balk less at carbon taxes, for example. Maybe pay more in carbon taxes and less on income taxes to compensate. We need creative ideas from all facets of life.
DeleteBeautiful photos. But I'm very pessimistic that we'll make the necessary changes, because the problems are too far in the future for people to understand.
ReplyDeleteIt has gotten harder again in the U.S with the so-called leaders in federal office.
ReplyDeleteGreat job capturing the light! So lovely! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow - love those beautiful rays of light! Superb autumn shots.
ReplyDeleteI love all the things your eyes and heart captured; they all look sublime and hopeful. When many people must have been awaken to the acute abnormality of weather worldwide, being shown the deadline clearly would make people more serious to tackle with the problem. On today’s TV coverage dealing with this issue, “better habits reminiscent of earlier times” were talked.
ReplyDeleteThese photos really are magical, like stepping into a fairy tale. The lighting is perfection. All lovely and colorful and warming.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could share your optimism about remediating the harm we have done to the environment, but I fear the battle is lost.
ReplyDelete