The Carbon Almanac and this ‘Connect the Dots’ entry describes what we call the four horsemen of the carbon apocalypse.
“Coal, combustion, cows and concrete are collectively the main contributors to climate change, accounting for approximately 70% of the problem. This means that a global effort is needed to change their prominence as, together, they touch every aspect of life - transportation, industry, agriculture, diet, health, living.”
But in British Columbia, Canada, a program for Indigenous youth is showing how to tackle systemic problems - including climate change - using the 3 Cs of community, culture and connection. Members of “youth groups in eight different nations across Nuu-chah-nulth territories, spent three days near Sarita Bay in early July constructing a traditional clam garden for the Huu-ay-aht community. When tides hampered work on the foreshore, the youth kick-started small carpentry projects or harvested traditional food and plants from the forest and sea before learning to cook them up to feed the camp.”
Although this program may seem to be specific to this place and population, its model could be used anywhere in the world where people are feeling disconnected from their own culture and each other.
How could you tackle the 4Cs using the 3Cs of culture, community and connection in your neighbourhood? What skills and experiences could older members of your circle share with younger folks and what enthusiasm and new ways of working together could the younger members bring to those who are older?
Remember - it’s not too late but we need to hurry and we ALL need to work together against climate change.