Balancing economic development, reliance on fossil fuels, climate science and environmental planning and protection is no doubt complicated. Particularly in Alberta when so much is at stake for each of us- now and for our future generations. These complicated issues, when presented on social media, news outlets and by political officials can create anger, and fear. This can inspire comical misrepresentations of the seemingly opposing “sides”. As referenced by the Uncle Ricky article.
For example let’s say, “Uncle Ricky’s” versus the “Tree Huggers”. Such extreme positions, undercut and dehumanize the opposing view. There may be many different motives for such images- financial, fear of change, political, or hubris.
In my view this bickering and arguing feels akin to parents fighting over what each feels is best for their child. In this case the environment is the child. Both parents love their child deeply, but have different fears and dreams for their present and future.
I’m curious what would happen if we shifted a little of our energy away from this paternalistic thinking, and bickering? Instead view the environment less as a thing, or noun and more of a process we are deeply interested in, love, and inter-connected with? As one philosopher puts it “The world is full of many beings, only some of whom are human”. How would we interact with nature, and with each other if we shifted our views in this way?
Andre Benoit
Cochrane, AB
