Good News Mondays
Volume 1: Protecting our Environment April 15, 2019
Welcome to Volume 1 of Good News. We may have differing ideas about what constitutes good news, but for me it’s signs and symptoms of awakening. I see evidence in environmental awareness, innovative technology, human ingenuity in health, education and social well-being, and a growing collective longing for a kinder, gentler world. So let’s begin with the most pressing issue: climate change.
I saw an interview on Twitter recently with a teenager in a diner replying to questions about climate change. He was so articulate and informed that I scrolled down to read responses. One woman asked who this kid was and how she could follow him. A young man responded with a link, saying “He’s one of us.” I clicked on that link and was thrilled to learn about an organization of teenagers called Sunrise.
Sunrise is an environmental movement, founded and run by teenagers, to promote the Green New Deal. These kids have organized cells in multiple cities as they cross the country spreading their message. Here is their mission statement:
“Sunrise is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process.
We’re building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and well-being of all people.
We are ordinary young people who are scared about what the climate crisis means for the people and places we love. We are gathering in classrooms, living rooms, and worship halls across the country. Everyone has a role to play. Public opinion is already with us. If we unite by the millions we can turn this into political power and reclaim our democracy.
We are not looking to the right or left. We look forward. Together, we will change this country and this world, sure as the sun rises each morning.”
The exciting thing to me is that a whole new generation is waking up and taking responsibility for their future. This movement will not only spread understanding of what we need to accomplish right now in order for this generation to have a future, but it is encouraging teenagers to unite behind a positive cause and participate actively in the socio-political process. They are evolving political activism to a higher level, an inspiration to their older, but perhaps not wiser, generations. There’s a “Donate” button on their website if you want to help them out.
Great ecological news from the Netherlands. After years of dyke building, their wetlands had become polluted with silt. Fish and wildlife populations had dropped severely. They are now building artificial islands out of that sediment to restore wildlife habitats. Over 30,000 birds have returned, plants and plankton are thriving, reestablishing biodiversity. You can view a 53 second inspiring video on my Facebook page. For more encouraging news from Europe, check out Rewilding Europe.
On another continent, I discovered an astounding item in NPR news about a cross-species cooperation: Suspected Rhino Poacher Killed by Elephant, Eaten by Pride of Lions in South Africa. Now that’s teamwork! Maybe the animal kingdom is also awakening to Unity consciousness. We’ve all seen videos of animals of one species caring for, rescuing and playing with another: gorillas adopting orphan kittens, a dog rescuing a drowning bear cub, dolphins saving dogs. Exciting, isn’t it?
Speaking of the animal kingdom, the theme of Earth Day 2019 is Protecting our Species. Earth Day was launched on April 22, 1970. Next year will mark its 50th anniversary. Visit www.earthday.org to learn more about this campaign and mark your calendar for April 22nd. Mother Earth needs our love.
Peace and love,
Diana
lilypadcreative
I love starting the week with GOOD NEWS! Thank you…