Climate, incredible loss, and a few bright spots--

I have a rising feeling of unease about climate issues. The never-ending wet we are experiencing, with the flooding, damage, mold, poor crops--the locally dampened spirits due to canceled everything is really almost impossible to feel anything positive about. Then I see the news feed from Maui and my heart breaks, not just for the contemporary losses, although they are huge, but also for the cultural losses that the people of the island are sustaining as well. Identity, for indigenous peoples and those who have inhabited the area for generations, is hard to sustain in our modern world. Yes, cities can be rebuilt, homes can be restored, but the history of the area has gone up --literally-- in smoke. 

The new protected area near Yellowstone that encompasses indigenous lands is a good move on the part of the Biden administration; couple that with the marine sanctuary that is in the works, and we might be making some real progress. It's not reparations; instead, it is a two-fold benefit to us all. One, it honors long-made promises to indigenous peoples and helps to preserve their (our?) history, and two, it helps reserve and protect land and sea. Not protect, as from an invasion, but rather, to give natural space a chance to help combat climate problems. 

We need to have green space, areas that are not pillaged by humans, to counterbalance the damage done and still being done. Yes, there are those who are raising a hue and cry about access to things like uranium, claiming that we need it for national defense. I would rather take the long view, and counter their argument with the reality that if we don't do something immediately to preserve the planet, there will be little need for national defense. We are talking about human existence. 

I hope that the folks in Maui-- and in all affected areas that have been damaged and/ or destroyed by "natural disasters"-- will look to rebuilding with green space in mind. Maybe we can rebuild intelligently? Compassionately? With a plan for an actual future in mind?

Maybe. 

Have a good day,

C