What Difference Does It Make?

On Thursday, January 31, 2008, I, along with many other students and professors of Cal Poly, attended part of a national “teach-in” on global warming solutions for America called Focus the Nation. I chose to participate in the three-o-clock event entitled “Climate Change and the Individual,” hoping to learn about some things that individuals, like myself, could change within their own habits or behaviors that may help combat the effects of global warming. But instead, I salvaged this clear and important message: making a real difference is not just about consuming less fuel; it is about finding one’s self.

The audience was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as the lecture began, the type of energy you feel in a room full of other people who have similar goals for revolution. The first speaker was Dr. Shawn Burn, a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Child Development. She did not give specific tips on how individuals could help climate change, but talked about what keeps individuals from changing. She cited social norms as one of the barriers to change. For in our society today, we often let the opinions of others dictate our actions - it is what we like to call peer-pressure. Diverting from common public views, such as the stereotype of the environmentalist as an extremist, can make you an outcast. In other words, if you want to be the popular kid in school, you should have the latest cell phone, not a pamphlet about recycling or reducing fuel consumption. This concept is similar to one that Thoreau presents in chapter one of Walden: “Even in our democratic New England towns the accidental possession of wealth, and its manifestation in dress and equipage alone, obtain for the possessor almost universal respect.” As social beings, wanting to feel accepted is part of our nature. We are constantly being sold this societal convention. So, how do we fit in and be “green?” Dr. Burns recommended being an informed role model. But, how can we be a true and informed role model if we do not even know who we are underneath all this material waste; if all we are is only who we are told to be? Like Bill McKibben suggests in his introduction to Walden, “This is an environmental problem not only because the main function of the Information Revolution is to sell us stuff we don’t need, stuff that gives off carbon dioxide or gathers in dumps. It’s a problem most of all because it confuses us as to our place in the scheme of things . . . What nature provides is scale and context, ways to figure out who and how big we are and what we want.”

So, the first speech having been nothing like what I expected, I sat in quiet contemplation as Dr. Stephen Lloyd-Moffett, an Assistant Professor for the Religious Studies Program, approached the podium. He presented some of the appeals of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, also known as the Green Patriarch. This spiritual leader of the two hundred and fifty million Orthodox Christians has denounced the old religious views that man has dominion over the earth and may exploit it as he wishes. He believes that harming the environment is equivalent to disrespect of the creator. He also believes that our obsession for material things may stem from an attempt to fill spiritual emptiness. He says there is a need to sacrifice; there is a need to know when to say “no, enough.” He implores us to look honestly at ourselves to see how we are contributing to the problem. Once we can look at ourselves honestly, we must take another look at the world around us. We must be able to see the world with a sense of wonder; to be in awe at the gift that has been given to us. This may provide the inspiration for us all to change. So, we hit upon another central issue Bill McKibben finds at the heart of Walden, “Only when we have some of that granite to stand on, that firm identity rooted in the reality of the world, only then can we distinguish between the things we’re supposed to want and the things we actually do want . . . Only then can we say “How much is enough?” and have some hope of really knowing.

The third and final speaker, an English Professor named Dr. Robert Inchausti, described his “love affair” with his electric bike. Needless to say, he got quite a few chuckles. He was very brief, but advised the audience to be patient with new environmentally friendly technology. If you looked deeper, you may have seen his presentation as a declaration of pride at being himself and marching to his own beat.

It was quite a shock when I came away and began to really examine all the parallels of this particular event to Bill McKibben’s introduction for Walden. There may not have been a single warning that afternoon to turn off your lights or to use public transportation, but there was a definite plea for self analysis. To look at ourselves and realize our place in this world. To realize how precarious that position is made by our bad decisions. To realize what we truly desire. To let our new perspective inspire change. Real change must start inside. I know I have much left to do in this arena. But, I will gladly complete this homework assignment, for knowing who I truly am will make all the difference in the world.

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