Climate change and, overall, the planet don’t see much inspiring messaging concerning its matters - more frequent and harder to manage extreme weather conditions, glaciers, and permafrost continuously melting at accelerating rates, escalating ocean acidification, increasing dead zones, species after species placed on endangered species list, extinctions seem to be happening on daily, football fields deforested in seemingly similar speed…
I used to read A LOT about that, feel it in my body, and put a lot of pressure on myself. Why? For listed above reasons.
I was stressed and felt constant time pressure, increasingly so with every new IPCC report updating the predictions of how many years are left till tipping points are set into action so strongly, there’s no going back and well, there’s no saving earth. While that was fueling my passion and commitment to do weMORI work, to organize and host events, to do public speaking, and more, I realized at some point how yes, I was doing what I cared about deeply and I was doing A LOT, however, what drove me wasn’t healthy and expansive.
What drove me was fear, concern, and disbelief (despair at times) in how we’re generally treating nature and how little is being done on higher levels.
At some point, I realized that it was not only unhealthy but also that I didn’t want to act and be from such energies. I wanted to feel and be in love with the earth, in love with Mother Nature, to celebrate it, to dance with it, to be in awe and to experience that not only when I go away “into nature”, but at every step ad every breath I took. Because what is nature? It’s me. I am part of nature. I am of nature. Nature is me and within me. There is no separation here.
One doesn’t exist without the other.
I stopped directing my energy towards time-pressuring reports, towards expectations of what governments should be doing. I changed how I was speaking, thinking, and feeling about all those matters and ultimately how I was communicating when speaking publicly. I turned towards inspiration, empowerment, awe, celebration, and honouring of the astounding creation I’m constantly surrounded by - this was a new place I was living and taking action from.
I have also completely let go of the “save the earth” narrative - but that's a whole other story, maybe for another meeting of ours here, on the pages of weLOG.
I still do and live from this “new” space.
It changed everything.
teaMORI SPOTLIGHT
There are a lot of doom and gloom narratives when speaking of climate change, environmental degradation, and the planet's future - how does that affect you, if at all?
Kenny:
“The doom and gloom narrative has little impact on me now. I think this is because I’m armed with more information. Of course, the climate crisis is not to be taken lightly. Still, with more information, I can understand the situation way better myself (the context and intricacies) instead of being fed by others’ opinions and narratives.”
Swetha:
“It's really depressing to hear the harsh impact of climate change. Although most blogs and articles carry a note on what should be done by us, these actions are barely taken. On the other hand, I'm also satisfied to a certain extent, because a bunch of hopeful news also crosses our eyes. I wish that we would be able to witness more of this kind of narratives.”
AROUND THE WORLD 🌏
by Kenny
ALL ABOARD - THE BLUE ECONOMY TREATY
“After years of negotiations, over 100 countries have finally agreed on a treaty to protect the high seas. It’s the first of its kind and the hope is that it will help protect marine biodiversity loss and ensure sustainable practices in this “unclaimed” space.
The high seas refer to areas outside the borders of country coastlines, not including economic zones, and make up more than 60 percent of the world’s oceans. The high seas don’t belong to any country but many benefit from its resources, some more than others, which is a complaint voiced by some countries.
With only about 1% of the high seas being protected, it could mean further loss of a crucial part of our resources and so this treaty brings everyone on the same page as it relates to our efforts to combat the “destructive trends facing ocean health”.
WHO'S TO BLAME?
Deforestation threatens local populations in Congo. Between 2021 and 2022, more than 200,000 deforestation alerts were recorded around Ouesso, in Congo.
What’s the cause of this?
It seems there isn’t enough data to confirm whether this is a result of logging, mining, and agro-industrial practices by corporations or if locals are to be blamed for practicing rudimentary slash-and-burn agricultural practices.
One thing is sure, Congo has lost about 60 percent of its forest cover in recent years. In fact, in 2016, the Congolese authorities awarded 2 million hectares of logging concessions to businesses. This has accelerated the problem of deforestation. With companies and foreign entities looking to take what they can from the land, we continue to see the impact on the environment and the destruction of ecosystems.
WHAT WE'RE READING
Amid war, Ukrainian biologists fight to protect conservation legacy Read here
Fisheries experts Daniel Pauly and Rashid Sumaila wins Nobel Prize for the environment Read here
Why biochar is embraced by companies to offset emissions? Read here
Startup Funga Uses Fungi to Capture Carbon in Forests Read here
The new seawater carbon capture technology turning into a cheaper alternative Read here
Analysis shows that more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets by the biggest certifier are worthless Read here
There you have it, dear friends!
How do common narratives in media affect you?
What spaces are you being from? - are they uplifting and inspiring or otherwise? Would you like to change that?
I'll leave you today with these questions to contemplate.
If you feel called, do share your reflections.
Till next time!
Joanna Arai
💛