Why We Fight, Suzuki Version
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 04.30.07
The only reason we bother writing at TreeHugger is because we believe that what we do has a positive effect and that all is not lost. Tyler Hamilton has written a brilliant post on his blog about Al Gore's comments on the Canadian government's green plan, but what stood out was the story that David Suzuki told him at a conference earlier this month:
"My daugher Severn is 27 years old, and she's been an environmental activist ever since she was seven years old. A few months ago she said to me, 'Dad, I think this is the most exciting time to be alive in all of human history.' She said this is the moment, in the following months and a few years, we are going to have to make some big decisions. Because if we make the right decisions, or if we fail to make the decisions, it's going to determine the fate, not only of all human kind, but of countless species of plants and animals. This is the defining moment, she said, when we will decide whether or not we're going to be a spectacular Flash in the Pan failure, or whether we can step up to the plate and show that we are capable of finding humility, compassion, patience and wisdom to truly find a sustainable path. As I reflected on her comment, I've come to the conclusion she's absolutely right."
Words fail me. ::Clean Break
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Amen.
I'm of the opinion that every technological species reaches a point like ours. It might not be climatic change that threatens them, but there will eventually be something that requires truly long-term planning, truly global action, and cooperation between everyone on the planet to solve.
It's often been said that humanity would require a common enemy in order to finally unite and create peace between humans. Maybe our past has finally become that enemy.
"Because if we make the right decisions, or if we fail to make the decisions, it's going to determine the fate, not only of all human kind, but of countless species of plants and animals. This is the defining moment, she said, when we will decide whether or not we're going to be a spectacular Flash in the Pan failure, or whether we can step up to the plate and show that we are capable of finding humility, compassion, patience and wisdom to truly find a sustainable path."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to achieve some measure of "humility", would it not be advisable to stop pontificating like a delusionally omnipotent megalomaniac?
I'm not sure if Suzuki's daughter is channeling some of the more moving speeches of Idi Amin here, or if she's actually serious?
I mean, people, come on ...
It seems to me like this exciting moment came a long time ago. The harmful affects of pollution is not new knowledge. When did Gore start holding congressional hearings about global warming, the early '80s? We chose badly then. Now our hand is being forced. And that's not much of a decision.
Yeah well, I imagine if our predecessors had had some humility, and perhaps restraint in terms of exploiting technology, we wouldn't be in a position where we could "determine the fate, not only of all human kind, but of countless species of plants and animals"
delusionally omnipotent megalomaniac....that's a bit harsh. I'm sure an environmentalist household might get a bit serious at times, but why can't you imagine she is being sincere?
Mike, that's a bit harsh, isn't it? A child with a weapon is not omnipotent but he or she is still capable of great harm. If we were omnipotent, we would not be in or nearing the situation at hand.
Is she not trying to make the point that the our time for action is now, before no amount of wisdom and power will help?
Mike H:
LUNATIC ALERT. We got a Cho style LUNATIC ALERT.
:-)
yeah whatever, We have all proven, that to stay sain, we must speak eloquently after making analysed observations and to record down these observations to pass on to later generations.
unfortunately, we are no closer to resolving poverty, prejudice, evil(whatever that is), wars, etc.....etc...simply because we have always lived the path the nature has forced us into and will force us into. Some people will like the path, others wont.