July 2017
It seems like madness when you see it written down like that doesn't it? Why would anyone destroy something that they depend on? This isn’t something that has happened overnight though, this has been years in the making.
It seems like every generation is so eager to advance in terms of technology, infra-structures etc, but all this comes at a massive cost; and I am not talking finance. I am talking about the cost to the planet, our planet, our home. I am 15 years old and live in a technology driven generation, but I 100% believe we are on journey to self destruction if we don’t change our path.
Politicians and those with the power to change things have a massive balancing act to do; they have to prioritise where time and money get spent, and sadly the environment and natural world always seem to be the areas pushed further down the list. Plans are made for a political term of 5 years, but what the natural world needs is long term planning, long term protection and most importantly to be at the heart of every decision made.
A huge problem is that people can choose to turn a blind eye to the full extent of the damage being done to our planet. We have to educate people so that they can make the right choices, and for me this education has to start at school.
The sad fact is that not enough people care, because they don't connect the natural world with everything we take for granted in our material world. They haven't been shown just how much we rely on the natural world for everything we have.
Imagine how brilliant it could be if environmental science/natural history was incorporated into all subjects within the curriculum in both Primary and Secondary schools. It could connect the younger generation with the environment and make them realise why the environment should be protected. Of course it won't inspire a passion within everyone, but it may well teach a respect for what many people take for granted.
It’s not enough to think “oh that’s a shame” as another species disappears, never to be seen again. We should feel angry, we should feel disappointed with ourselves that we allowed it to happen. We all have a right to a natural inheritance, but the thing is, this right is being taken from us and from future generations. So if you want it, you are going to have to stand up and fight for it.
So here is a challenge to anyone reading this blog post. What are you willing to do to drive forward a change? In fact, the first question should have been are you willing to do something? It doesn't have to be something huge, some of the biggest changes come about through all the small things done. For example, if you plant just one flower in your garden that helps to encourage a pollinator, you have of course done a good thing. However, If you encourage a whole street to plant a flower for pollinators you have started to build a natural corridor.
Something else you can do is challenge things. Speak out about environmental issues, report wildlife crime, raise awareness through social media channels. If you feel strongly about something, then do something and encourage someone else to do something too. Be part of the big positive changes that can happen when all the small changes build together.
I would be delighted to post a guest blog on my blog WildeAboutBirds.blogspot.co.uk from anyone who takes up the challenge.
Guest blog by Findlay Wilde
Award-winning blogger and conservationist
You can find Findlay on Twitter @WildeAboutBirds
The opinions expressed in this blog are the author’s and not necessarily those of the wider Link membership.
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