AFON
We Are The Future – by Lucia Watts
Welcome to our series of blog posts in the run up to the general election (7th May 2015). Over this month AFON members will share their own Visions for Nature: what they want the natural world to look like by 2050 and how they want to get there. We have created a hashtag on Twitter so why not join the conversation? What’s your #VisionforNature?
In 35 years I want the natural world to look better than it does today. Without species being threatened to extinction by human activity, and humans threatening their own fragile existence. It will see an increase in biodiversity, an expansion of green space, a reduction of carbon emissions and a stop to artificial monocultures. A return of once extinct species, an increase in renewable energy generation, a new generation of green buildings, and nature, conservation and the environment at the heart of education. We need a government that realises that the environment is as important as the economy and that everything is interlinked, and a population that wants to learn about and understand the challenges we face.
This is the dream. It may not seem possible, but it’s all got to start somewhere.
If we, as humans, carry on the destruction of our planet at the same rate as today, the world in 2050 will be a very difference place. Unknown thresholds will be reached and bring with them, unknown and potentially irreversible consequences. We could already be at a point where levels of damage and emissions are irreversible; we have already ruined our planet. But progress is possible; some places already recovering, let’s increase this, speed it up and protect our home.
Personally, I think the goals above should stem from small scale, local ventures. To make this happen, younger generations need to be at the forefront of the movement. To inspire young people to take an interest in nature, through education and a love of the intrinsic beauty of the outside world is a vital step. We also need to influence the older generation, the decision makers. If there is a realisation that nature is intrinsically linked to government policies, the economy and maintaining everyday life we may have a fighting chance.
Ventures such as moving to renewable energy sources, sourcing only local food and rewilding the natural landscape that may, at the beginning, be more expensive, and less popular than current means. But there will be long-term gains and we need to get this out there.
There should be a move to small ways in which the average person can improve their natural world. This could include energy choices, an interest in food miles, not flying on holiday, reducing the amount of concrete and non-natural areas around homes.
Voting for agreeing with and understanding green policies, campaigning for a better home for the next generation is so important.
I’d love it if more 18-24 year olds vote in the general election on 7th May. Even if it’s just to make sure politicians know that our generation is interested in what happens to our planet and our future. Read up on all the contenders and make a decision based on the policies you agree with and want to see to fruition. Make your vote count. It can make a difference, and it’s one way to get our voices heard.
In reality, I’d just love it for people to realise what we’re doing to the planet, that it isn’t sustainable or right, and that it can’t go on. I’d love for people to love the natural world, and want to improve it. This is my vision for nature, and I want us all to be able to enjoy the nature now, and for generations to come. It can be done, but we have to do it together.
Vote in May, join AFON, make your voice heard, make a difference.
So much incredible work is already being done, lets carry this on.
It’s our time.