Humans on the verge of climate reckoning

We humans are in for one hellish ride going forward. In how we collectively and collaboratively respond to the COVID pandemic, we have been afforded a test of how well we can be expected to assume the far greater demands and sacrifices required to mitigate the effects of climate change.

On that test, we are failing miserably. And our failing grade provides little, if any, hope that we can avoid a radical transformation of our planet into a world inhospitable to human life. The principle admonishment of all religions is to be responsible and respectful caretakers of Mother Earth and of one another. We are only guests, not owners.

Instead, our history - particularly since the advent of the industrial revolution and the concomitant dominance of laissez faire capitalism - has been one of exploitation of both natural resources and human labor. We humans have forgotten our place in the natural scheme of things and have presumed a role of dominance over nature instead of co-equality with all things natural. We have disregarded our human interdependence as social beings in favor of the expediencies of individualism. With each dire report from the scientific community on the changes that the climate is undergoing, a full accounting for our failures becomes increasingly imminent.

We’re reminded of the analogy regarding guests and the stench of fish that have lain about for three days. Like the putrefying fish tossed to the scavengers, we humans may well have overstayed our welcome here on Earth.

Steven Pokorny

Urbandale