Climate Change.

Goldenrod – Solidago canadensis

I had to count back in my head to know what day I took this photo.  It was July 2 this year.  That’s goldenrod.  A plant that usually flowers in mid to late August.  Today is the 11th and I feel certain that this goldenrod is in full bloom.  Not normal.  This is climate change.  Maybe this particular specimen is an outlier.  What if it isn’t?

I know how overwhelming it is to contemplate the numerous challenges the world faces.  It has never been more urgent that we commit to acting with hope and with compassion.  Be kind.

The chatter is that we (here in Canada) will soon be heading into a federal election.  Climate change is an existential crisis.  Life or death.  Write to your representatives and tell them that this issue has to be our number one priority.  Write to every level.  Start local and move up the ladder until you’ve written the Prime Minister.

The cure for despair is action.  I don’t know what the future holds for us.  I do know that 13 years ago I saw a performance by a female fiddler.  This girl was on fire.  Talking to her afterwards I asked her how long it would take for me to learn to play like her.  We’ll never know because I never took action.

Tonight England lost the soccer game.  When England loses domestic violence goes up.  I know – you’re wondering where she’s going with this.  I watched a Twitter thread as person after person offered up space in their home to anyone who might need safe harbour for the night.  Light against the darkness.  This is community care.

There is space for everyone.  What can you do?  10 calls to action from the David Suzuki Foundation.  Info on goldenrod.