EDITOR'S NOTE: OrilliaMatters is partnering with Sustainable Orillia to publish a weekly tip. Check back here every Tuesday evening for a new tip. For more information, visit the Sustainable Orillia website.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s To Speak for the Trees (Random House, 2019 – available at Manticore Book Store in downtown Orillia), is a fascinating book about the author’s lifelong relationship with the natural world. The author, now living near Ottawa, is “a world-recognized botanist, medical biochemist and author whose work uniquely combines western scientific knowledge and the traditional concepts of the ancient world.”
Beresford-Kroeger is well aware of the threat that climate change poses for humans on this planet. But she also has faith in two things: first, what human beings—individually and collectively—can accomplish if we put our minds to it; and second, the natural world’s powers of regeneration and restoration.
Many people, given the threat of the climate crisis, feel quite powerless as individuals. Yet it is essential that all humans, including those of us living here in Orillia, realize that there are things each of us can do to prevent the worst of the crisis. Listen to the words of this author, then consider the actions you’ll take.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced," says Beresford-Kroeger. "It touches every living thing. It is a daunting task to even see the entirety of it. To try to think of solutions can, for any individual, quickly begin to feel like an impossibility. Because the problem is so big, many people simply turn away; they deny it exists at all.
"Others acknowledge the truth being shouted out by every climate scientist on Earth only to embrace the cynical belief that people will never change and there’s little point in trying to save the planet – we’re all doomed," the author says. "I’ll put it plainly: I have no time for anyone prepared to turn away or throw in the towel.
“Positive action, no matter how small, builds toward your bigger goals . . . [E]very effort to aid and encourage the natural world is as valuable as every other. Whether we are the mighty or the meek, we must all act to stop climate change. We are all siblings in the communal family and the natural world is our commonage," writes Beresford-Kroeger.
“You’ve got to stay on your hind legs and take a swing—all of us do," implores the author. "You’ve got to take a first step towards a goal that seems unachievable, and have the integrity and courage to believe that you will reach it one day. We all have immense courage. Every one of us is capable of extraordinary things . . . when we believe in ourselves and keep moving towards the impossible.
“Stopping climate change in its tracks can feel like the impossible," writes Beresford-Kroeger. "The latest science tells us that as of 2019 we have just ten years to halt global temperature rise . . . . But my life and work have taught me that nothing is ever as dire or insurmountable as it seems, and that the natural world’s powers of regeneration and restoration stretch far beyond our understanding.”
Beresford-Kroeger, the author, asks each of us, at the very least, to do the following:
- Plant one tree per year for the next six years. (“if every person on Earth planted one tree per year for the next six years, we would stop climate change in its tracks.”)
- Make a personal bioplan. (“You take the first step that you’re able to take . . . The true goal . . . is for every person to create and protect the healthiest environment they can for themselves, their families, the birds, insects and wildlife.”)
- Protect all the forest we already have. (“When we cut down a forest, we only understand a small portion of what we’re choosing to destroy.”)
- Band together to take on government and industry (“[W]e can keep informed of plans to destroy forests and fight them at every turn.”)
- Become a guardian and steward in our own neighbourhoods and towns. (“If you have a large tree on your street, make sure your local council knows that you value it.”)
- Vote for people who will protect our forests and waterways. (“Every opportunity to vote is an opportunity to put someone who cares about forests in a position of greater power and authority.”)
The author notes that the task we humans face may seem impossible. “But,” she notes, “there’s a simple way to get there; just take the first step and keep on going.”
You may have taken that first step already. If not, today’s the day to take it. If you’ve already taken that first step and others—keep on going.
