Crisis as opportunity

As someone who has been involved in environmentalism both inside and outside the classroom, I have heard and read a lot about climate change. The numbers are daunting and the predictions catastrophic. If current carbon dioxide concentrations continue, a two degree Celsius increase in global temperatures by 2030 is inevitable. Two degrees is the point at which ecosystems begin to collapse and positive feedbacks start to kick in. Climate change begets more climate change. And not only that. The negative effects of global warming will be distributed anything but equally: the most vulnerable among us will be affected the soonest and the worst.

Environmental injustice is not only a symptom of climate change. In the US and all over world, minority communities have disproportionately suffered the impacts of poor environmental practices generating wealth and benefits for the privileged. Our way of doing things nowadays is neither sustainable nor fair.

But I am here because I have chosen to view the current climate crisis as an opportunity, a chance to bring about change and justice in the world, not only environmental, but also social and economic. All these aspects of societal life are interconnected, and we can only truly achieve sustainability if we also tackle the inequalities which affect our societies! I am very excited to be at the 2009 Bioneers Conference, which is all about taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to the environmental problems we face and focusing on the solutions rather than the problems.

Thank you for checking in as we explore the different takes and solutions being put forth at the conference. I also want to thank our sponsors, the VSA and the Department of Biology as well as our hosts Sam and Kyyio for welcoming us into their beautiful home.