Actually, I believe there are a range of valid ways in which we can and should react to assaults on the environment. Sadness is certainly right up there as one of the most valid. With good reason, anger is often another and can be useful at times. However, as a do-something-about-it type, I believe that a good response can include hope and optimism. That's not to say that I don't feel anger at times, as I certainly do. However, as someone who works with individuals associated with environmental groups and various government departments, anger only gets you so far, and sometimes it can be detrimental to the cause. What I have found over the years is that many people in who work in environmental protection, conservation agencies, etc.. are actually "on side" when it comes to wanting to prevent or put a stop to environmental damage. However, these people -- many of whom come from backgrounds which put them very in touch with the natural world -- sought out an education and then a career where they hoped to work to protect the environment. Unfortunately, the reality of the system is that, many times, these people end up between a rock and a hard place as they try to protect nature while also working within the confines of departmental policy. From an environmentalist's standpoint, it's important never to lose sight of the fact that these people are often valuable allies. It is rarely wise to approach them in anger as they are constantly walking a fine line between doing what they feel to be right, and doing what they've been told to do -- and the last thing you want to do is push them over onto the other side so that they're working against you. Many of these people are extremely helpful when approached in the right way, and will often provide you with the "tools" that you need when you go head to head with companies or government over an issue. Perhaps they photocopy some maps for you, or fax you a copy of a study, or drop the name of some university professor who studied the effects of some toxin on fish or frogs, or have some piece of measuring equipment they can lend you to go out and get some field readings. If you come on to these people with too much anger, they probably won't give you much help as there's too much chance that things could blow up in their face and they might even lose their jobs (which isn't good for them, or for you). Better to try to leave the anger at home and, instead, go forward in an attitude of determination, but of a kind that is flexible and willing to bend when necessary.
(just a few observations picked up along the way)...
croc |
