Earth Day this year comes at an especially heavy time for so many of us, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on where we are, and where I hope we’re headed if we all work together. Because there is hope, even if it’s not easy to feel in moments like these.
Why Earth Day is still relevant
I think Earth Day is more important than ever. We need to keep remembering that we’re dealing with so many threats to our very existence, like climate change, water and air pollution, and biodiversity loss. Having a day dedicated to reminding us to think about our planetary health – not just on Earth Day, but every day – is absolutely urgent at this point. We’re reaching the point of no return, and we must act quickly.
On what keeps me going
I’m extremely motivated by the fact that the need for our work is so great. People need food more than ever, our planet is suffering, our health is in jeopardy, and our very existence is in question. I think about that all the time. And doing something action-oriented is what keeps me from despair and a feeling of powerlessness. So if people are feeling powerless, taking action is the quickest way to try to alleviate some of that stress and anxiety. It’s not only good for all of the causes that you’re working to address, it’s also good for you.
What I’m excited about in the climate space
People all around the world who are working on local solutions, in innovative and nature-based ways. Both technology and a return to nature hold answers for us, and I love learning about what people are doing. One of my favorite examples is how coral gardeners are working to repopulate these vital organisms that have been bleached and destroyed by our warming climate and pollution. I’m also inspired by how many young people (and people of all ages) are waking up to the various challenges of the climate crisis. I’m glad that people are finally talking about the importance of food and the impact of our food systems. And although we have a long way to go, I’m glad that people are dealing with that.
When I look ahead to 2030…
I’m actually very concerned. Currently, we’re not moving quickly enough, or enough in the right direction, for us to reach the targets climate scientists have set to ensure that our planet is sustainable for life, long term. So I hope that people really wake up, and we don’t have to wait until extreme weather events and other consequences of this crisis require us to do the things we really need to do now. I hope we have better food systems in place, which are largely focused on plant-based food and supporting farmers who grow small crops of healthy soil-protecting food, in sustainable, organic ways. I hope we see innovations in our food system that allow more people to be fed and truly nourished. I hope we’re addressing our toxic air and the acidification of our oceans. There are so many ways we could make our planet a paradise, if we really addressed all of these systems with the power of all of the governments around the world behind us. At this moment in time, I don’t feel that we’re really close to being able to do that. We’ve been talking about 2030 for a decade, as if it was far away, and it’s right around the corner. Nonetheless, we need to be working toward not only a sustainable way of life, but a more equitable and generous life on the planet for everyone.
What power do we have as individuals?
We all have a lot of power. Changing the way we live our lives, and especially the way we eat, from what we purchase, how we cook, how we reduce our waste – these are all things within our control. And our collective habits can actually influence policy and corporate behavior. Taking the Support+Feed Pledge to eat at least one fully plant based meal a day is a great way to begin. And committing ourselves to eating in a way that supports small farmers who grow crops for humans (not livestock), and not wasting our food.
We also need to think about our neighbors, remembering that what we eat and how we live affects already marginalized people disproportionately. Support+Feed is a great place to volunteer or contribute, because we’re not only addressing the climate crisis by helping change our individual habits, and through the sustainable food we serve, but we’re also helping individuals who are experiencing food insecurity.
We can do many things at the same time. It’s important that we start to look at the world that way.