The Moment of Truth

The climate crisis may at times appear to be happening slowly, but in fact it is a true planetary emergency. The voluminous evidence suggests strongly that, unless we act boldly & quickly to deal with the causes of global warming, our world will likely experience a string of catastrophes...
We can solve this crisis, & as we finally do accept the truth of our situation & turn to boldly face down the danger that is stalking us, we will find that it is also bringing us unprecedented opportunities...

There's something far more precious than the economic gains that will be made. This crisis is bringing us an opportunity to experience what few generations in history ever have the privilege of knowing: a generational mission; the exhiliration of a compelling moral purpose; a shared & unifying cause; the thrill of being forced by cirumstances to put aside the pettiness & conflict that so often stifle the restless humand need for transcendence; the opportunity to rise.*

When we do rise, it will fill our spirits & bind us together.
Those who are now suffocating in cynicism & despair will be able to breathe freely.
Those who are now suffering from a loss of meaning in their lives will find hope.
When we rise, we will experience an epiphany...
What is at stake is the survival of our civilization & the habitability of the earth.
OR, as one eminent scientist put it, the pending question is whether an opposable thumb & a neocortex are a viable combination on this planet...

Ultimately, it is not about any scientific discussion or political dialogue; it is about who we are as human beings. It is about our capacity to transcend our limitations, to rise to this new occasion. To see with our hearts, as well as our heads, the response that is now called for. This is a moral, ethical, & spiritual challenge.

Just as we can no longer ignore this challenge, neither should we fear it. Instead, we should welcome it. Both the danger and the opportunity. And then we will meet it because we must...

We should not wait. We cannot wait. We must not wait.
The only thing missing is political will. But in our democracy, political will is a renewable resource.

Al Gore - Vanity Fair issue May 2006