Dare to be Hopeful

Created for the Southern Ontario Orchid Society Newsletter

Shortly after you receive this newsletter, we will celebrate Earth Day around the world. A time when we are all encouraged to turn off the lights for an evening, walk or cycle, abandon the car, and to contemplate the difference that it makes. First celebrated in 1970, there are now 193 countries that participate. So for over 50 years we have been “taking a moment”. Considering that this is to inspire a greater respect for the health of the planet, why are we still so woefully inconsiderate to where we live and who we live with? International accords rarely meet their targets. Our national government had agreed to protect 17% of our country for habitat and species preservation by 2020. Did we achieve it? No. Now there is a promise to protect 25% by 2025, and 30% by 2030. Do I think we will make it? In a word, no. Not unless we are much more aggressive at holding politicians to task and supporting local naturalist groups. I encourage you to sign petitions, call your elected officials, join demonstrations. Make a difference. Get involved.

And there is something else you can do - support our next generation of environmentalists. Each year in September since 2010, Ontario Nature has hosted a youth summit to promote education and action for environmental issues. For as little as $150 per student, you can sponsor participants (aged 14-20) for this year’s summit. We need the enthusiasm and new ideas that our youth bring to these issues, and without that hope, we are in trouble. So put your money where your heart is and support our tomorrows. I dare you to be hopeful.

https://ontarionature.org/events/youth-summit/