Eco Worriers

The opportunities that sustainability offers are too often drowned out by the negative projections of the eco-worriers. There is no doubt about the alarming predictions on climate change and it is scary to say the least. However, as a call to arms the ‘end of the world is nigh’ tune is over played and a proven dis-inhibitor to action. It points to a surrender of action to some ‘other’ – somebody, somewhere, should do something about it – or implores a higher power to be merciful. Building a better, more sustainable future can be really engaging if we focus on the positives. The problem with the ‘we’re all goin’ die’ argument is that it is irrefutable, but hey, in the meantime can we get around to doing some really cool stuff. Changing the things we can and accepting the things we can’t and knowing the difference. We can choose to focus on the positives or drown in the negatives, it is an attitude of mind. The environmental movement particularly has been guilty of focussing on a doomsday scenario which has meant that many people approach sustainability as a negative. There is a presumption that it is all about going backwards. Let’s talk about a sustainable future, not a sustainable past. It can be very motivating and exciting to build a better future but it is hard to do through worrying and focussing on the negative.

Don’t worry, be happy