Not to be jolly, as we are supposed to be, but a whole mix of emotions, and mostly not even on the up scale to jolly.
Why? Because Copenhagen came so close to Christmas, and delivered such a sad affirmation of the power of the corporate and capitalist world to ignore the urgent needs of the earth and its most vulnerable nations. The gift of the rich to the poor was a callous and hypocritical thumbs-down.
It is even more despairing because leaders like Rudd and even Obama have coupled the words ‘meaningful’ and ‘agreement’ into one senseless compound word; they did not reach anything meaningful if they meant to stop global warming. It is still tokenism.
A pity the U.S. isn’t closer to sea level, or that a tsunami of reality hasn’t hit Rudd yet.
So yes, I am filled with a wide and pervasive sadness for the world, and an anger at those who are the most guilty yet the most unrepentant because they will not do what is needed to make amends; have they even said ‘Sorry’?
I chose this photo for my Christmas post because it holds that mix of light and dark layers which I think many are feeling at present.
For I do have hope. Perhaps it was foolishly optimistic to think that world leaders would have shaken off the yoke of their corporate masters just because the planet is in mortal danger – or not in one go.
After all, they did at least agree that they lived on the same planet.
The tragedy is that it would be so easy to cut emissions and turn our economies around to non-fossil fuels if our leaders and our politics were not so trammelled by the machinations of Big Business.
Yet we have seen some changes — some for the worst, looking at the the Abbott dinosaur party — so 2010 may move minds and generate ‘green’ as the only way to go for smart countries.
Nature always soothes me with its beauty and regenerative powers, so I offer this sky pic to my readers as my seasonal greeting.
I’d better offer it to my friends and family too, as I didn’t get round to sending even one Christmas card this year; somehow all those Santas and presents seemed a little obscene as I thought of the children of Africa, hearing from their leaders that the world said NO.
Peace and hope to you all,
Sharyn
I am wishing you rain for the new year, Fleur. We are soaking in it here– and I all think of is ‘no fires. whew!’ Hope you and your family stay safe – and have good crops.
I don’t understand either why the leaders (including ours) aren’t bowed down with guilt for what their inaction is condemning to grow worse for future generations. As if the effects aren’t already obvious and damaging enough…
A belated Merry Christmas to you Shayrn and I do hope the New Year, brings you happiness. There seems something sinister in listneing to our local bush fire sced, this morning. Every, single person was down at least 100mm on their average rainfall – no rain, no food. Let’s not put our head in the (dry) sand…
Hi Laura,
Thanks for adding your note of hope, and I am delighted that my blog lets you enjoy my wonderful natural world too.
best wishes
Sharyn
With every non decision like that of Copenhagen it is so easy to feel dispair. I say let us enjoy nature while we can. Happy new year to you too Sharyn, your blogs always bring me back to nature, thank you!
Best wishes to you too Gaye. The present rainy weather up here seems a good New Year omen to me – no fires – even if the track is washing downhill as I write! But then, that there is no simple black and white is one of the few lessons I have learnt in life.
Cheers
Sharyn
Hello Sharyn,
I’m sure you’re right – the more the messages get out there, the more awareness is spread. With awareness, there are questions, and broader thinking. This has to be positive.
I love your pretty pastel sky image too – it evokes peace – very appropriate.
I also chose not to send cards this Christmas – I’ve come to realise it’s just another means of waste (for me, anyhow).
I hope 2010 is a happy, healthy year for you.
Kind regards,
Gaye
Thanks Denis – and the same to you. I do think that the more people like ourselves voice our thoughts in letters and blogs like ours (see Denis’– The Nature of Robertson), the more chance of change.
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn
Nice assessment of the Copenhagen fiasco.
Lovely Christmas image too -it has shades of light and dark, as you said, but it is a very peaceful image indeed.
Happy Christmas and may 2010 be good for you.
Cheers
Denis