WARNING: Science is not sufficient at high altitudes of thought

If natural systems were well understood and behaved in a predictable
way, it might be possible to calculate what would be a “safe” amount of pressure to inflict on them without endangering the basic services they provide to humankind.
Unfortunately, however, the living machinery of Earth has a tendency to move from gradual to catastrophic change with little warning. Such is the complexity of the relationships between plants, animals, and microorganisms that these “tipping points” cannot be forecast by existing science.

The millenium assessment is sobering. But so was the Warning to Humanity from 1992 by many of the worlds leading scientists and majority of the world's Nobel Laureates.

It seems Rachel Carson inspired a generation of scientists to speak out on the truth they have uncovered.

The Precautionary Principle would be exercised so well here, on planet earth.

We are lacking time as we tamper.

But I am not tampering. I am looking for answers, while I still buy burgers, cheap clothes from China, and drive my car to the grocery store.

Ironically, I feel that if I slow down enough to make these changes, I will fall out of engagement with trying to find those leverage points to help make those huge policy shifts. Though, Rex Wyler said at a talk I heard once before: All the legislation that Green Peace made 20 years before is being reversed.

This leads me to think that the policy changes are not the major leverage points, What we need is a culture shift. Take this case for example:

Women have rights! Sure, look at all your rights, your fine and quit your complaining. Now choose between working or child rearing. Because unless you make as much as your husband (which most of you don't), one of you will have to sacrifice a career (seniority, perceived experience)so you can manage. Daycare's are full - 2 year waiting list!

Unless more Curitiba's show up, we are doomed. To transition, we need people as well that are willing to listen to the fears, and respond with kindness to nurture ideas and model the possibilities. I see the value in that role more than before. Pulling the rug out from people's feel will be tough, and someone will need to help people back up. If there is a carbon tax - lets offer creative way to ammend the adverse effects on the pocket book.

It is that tipping point that we cannot be too sure with in nature, or with culture shifts. If what Blessed Unrest offers is any indication - it may be faster than we think.