I had been toddling along without giving as much thought as I should have been to Global Warming. Late last year I read the EAT Planetary Diet guidelines, as per the findings of a group of leading scientists commissioned by Lancet. That was a light bulb moment in my life when I realised how serious things are getting. Then recently I read a book by David Attenborough, A Life on our Planet.
Wow! If the Lancet report was a light bulb moment, then this book had the effect on me of shock therapy. This isn’t a book of prophesy, it’s a book detailing David’s life on this planet, and the changes he has actually witnessed. It’s a book supported by science, and verified by David’s observations and experiences. If anyone on this planet has the credentials to drive home the urgency needed for rapid change to prevent catastrophic carnage to our planet then surely David Attenborough has. It’s a scary book, very scary, and sadly it’s not a book of science fiction.
I had been complacently thinking I would be long gone before this world as we know it implodes in on itself. I was wrong! The world as we know it doesn’t have centuries left, it doesn’t even have decades. We have to make drastic changes NOW. Not next century, and not even next year. We have to start NOW. We all thought a global pandemic was something we’d never see, then it was upon us. Food shortages and famine, if you’re like me, you’ve probably had them categorised in your mind alongside a global pandemic – great for a sci-fi movie, but it’ll never happen. David has caused me to re-think that. I will most likely see food shortages in my lifetime, in fact very soon. That is unless some drastic changes start happening immediately.
There is something we can do, something that doesn’t rely on Governments making all the changes. We can change the way we live our individual lifestyles. We all know a lot of what we should be doing. What I hadn’t realised is how much the consumption of animal products contributes to global warming. I think that animal farming and the practices needed to support the farming, along with food wastage comes in at 2nd to the use of fossil fuels at creating CO2 emissions. I’m no expert, and I don’t profess to understand the science behind David’s book. I didn’t need to understand it though to get the gist of it. It’s time to change, not next year, and not even next week. The time is now. Yes, I hope the governments implement changes in regards to fossil fuels, but on an individual basis we also need to make some drastic changes.
I’m not going to say anymore at this point in time, except please pick up a copy of this book. Read it, and pass it on to others to read. I hope you find it as life changing as I have.
Life of Riley - on whatever 
When travelling the country the signs of climate change are there, as clear as the road signs yet people choose to ignore it. We humans are a funny bunch, even with the frightening Covid death toll some think the pandemic is a hoax. Like ostriches they put their heads in the sand and hope such talk will fade away.
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I know. People don’t want to make any changes, until the changes are forced upon them. We’ve lived near the beach now for just over 4 years. The beach has undeniably decreased in size during only that short time, and there are no fish. Hope for the best I say, but prepare for the worst.
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It is frightening to think there will be food shortages in our country, but with free trade there are many more imports flooding the markets and local producers have walked away from their farms. Dick Smith highlighted Australia’s food security issues, as well as our reliance on transport of food around the country. Without petroleum, of which we only have one month’s supply, our food cannot be shipped around this large country of ours. We see shortages in times of natural disasters and so I am not surprised that we will also face this in time. As an individual we can play a part, and our behaviour is contagious. As bloggers we can inform those who are oblivious.
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I’m thinking food shortages are likely to be part of the near future, and not just in some far off corner of the globe. Of course, I’m hoping I’m wrong, hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. I think that’s the sensible thing to do. My daughter laughs at me, calling me a doomsday prepper! I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, but I do try to have food on hand capable of sustaining me and mine with balanced meals for at least three months. I also have a few things growing in the garden, and seeds and the capability to transform my whole back, and front yard into a sustenance providing garden virtually overnight if necessary. Water, though – that’s one potential problem I could face if push comes to shove. Do you do anything to prepare for hard times brought a bought by whatever reason Amanda?
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Nowhere near as much as you prepare, Chris. I would have a week or so supplies and a few more in the freezer. Water? I would have to source it publicly or collect it from the rain. I don’t even have a rainwatertank at my new abode. I would like to but the yard is small and whilst achievable it is too late to plumb in a tank easily.
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Pity so many world leaders ignore Attenborough’s wisdom. I’m going to suggest his book to my book club.
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That is good news Peggy. I loved his series on Netflix, but the book is much better. It goes into a lot more scary detail!
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Good idea, Peggy
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We should be scared, but only enough to prompt action. The is so many things we all can do to help individually, decreasing or eliminating meat in our diet is a straightforward one. Here are some other ideas to rid ourselves on dependence on plastics, (a petrochemical product.
https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2018/07/22/plastic-free-july/
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You are so right Amanda, there is so much we can do. So many people are relying on the politicians to do it for them. When enough people want it to happen, and are seen to be doing their bit to make it happen, then the politicians will see votes in it, and then they’ll do something. They won’t force the changes on us, we’ll have to force it on them.
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Pressure at the ballot box is an effective way to push for changes, but can we always wait for an election? What if everyone was to communicate this to their local candidate?
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Can only agree about Attenborough’s being just about the sole person around with the cred to write about what’s happening on the front. I’ll check for an audio version.
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With his life experiences he’s certainly got the power to make people sit up and listen. I found his book to be believably scary. I hope you do manage to get a copy.
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It’s hard to imagine what I do as one person can really make a difference but even so I’ve made some changes and I tell myself every little bit adds up.
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I had been thinking that too. Now I think that there is a lot at an individual level that can be done, that needs to be done. I think it’s just a matter of getting the majority of people on board. If David Attenborough is correct a lot of those changes will be forced on us very soon by way of food shortages anyway. My hope is to try and be prepared by making adjustments to my lifestyle now. My daughter calls me a doomsday prepper, lol.
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