I’ve been reading Rebecca Solnit’s “The Beginning Comes After the End. Notes on a World of Change”. The book makes the case that the recent backlash against climate action, democracy, equality and diversity is because we are experiencing push back from those vested interests that don’t want the progressive change that has happened over recent decades. Their commitment is to unravelling the values and policies that have altered their world. They have lost the benefits that accrue to a vision of society structured so everyone has their place, including our planet.
It’s clear from recent protests across Europe and India there is real anger and concern, if not fear, about our collective futures and frustration that growing inequality has taken hold. They are arguing for equality, fair living conditions, concern about technology taking away opportunity and a positive vision for the future. And key to this is how we might balance our human needs with a real concern and commitment to the planet, for if we don’t achieve that and address emissions there is no long-term future.
Solnit is arguing – that when we examine a range of sectors we have made and achieved significant change, much of which cannot be turned back. But we are all concerned that more can be rolled back further. In this context of challenge to our values and vision of the future how do we act?
What does this mean for each of us personally? What are the issues that touch us? What do we care to fight for? What do we each want to act on?
For me, it’s been women’s rights and opportunities. And climate change- specifically a sustainable fashion industry that mitigates its impact on the environment.
A number of recent reports on how the fashion industry is addressing climate change have made it clear that at the best our actions have stagnated, at the worst we are actively moving backwards.
It has been shocking and disappointing to realise that many of the steps forward that were made over the last decade have been rescinded. So, it seems that for the fashion industry to properly accommodate the changes necessary to produce less, to deal with clothes that are not sold, need to be recycled, or repaired has reached the too hard to do box. Or if you were cynical, sustainability is no longer fashionable. We are on to the next thing.
It seems our case and actions just weren’t hard or tough enough.
At a time when wars are showing how vulnerable we are to fossil fuel dependence we are nevertheless reaching for short term solutions. Solutions that won’t address the increase of 2.7C of global heating by the end of this century. Whether we like it or not we all have to make some sort of adjustment and that means using our power and influence whether individual or collective to drive change.
It made me think maybe we need a revolution before it really is too late.
But that is a revolution for us all. Last year I was reading the book “Age of Revolutions” by Fareed Zakaria that explores how historic revolutions and civic upheavals have led societies to seek new forms of politics. That if you do this then a revolution that is sustained and comprehensive- that tackles cultural, political, economic factors is possible. It made me think that we need to push again, to seriously agitate for action across all sectors. Collectively we might accumulate pressure, actions and bring about the changes we need.
It’s not that we are not aware of the future implications of not addressing this increased pressure on our planet. We have all and are experiencing the impact of climate change. We see a future, but it seems too far away and unachievable. Clinging to a way of living and a lifestyle that is no longer appropriate is hubris. We are aware that if we are not careful the legacy of our time will be exploitation and inaction. We know the potential future – we need to act anyway.
I believe that we are all personally responsible to use the opportunities in our lives- our connections, talents, leaderships, partnerships and collaborations- to influence and lead, to galvanise action around climate change. To do what we can- however small. It’s why I’m Chairing a panel at Kellogg College to bring colleagues together who have been tirelessly agitating for change. They provide support for new fashion businesses focused on addressing impact on the planet, ideas for new business and manufacturing models and ways to galvanise cultural change. They are colleagues who don’t need to know the future to act in the present.