by David Cadman, SPEC President
Thirty years ago some far-sighted people got together to form
SPEC. They did so to address specific environmental concerns. At the time
they didn’t realize that by the end of the millenium
environmental conservation would be the critical issue facing humanity.
Nor could they foresee 500 environmental groups in British Columbia, 3000
across Canada and even more making up a global movement.
But this movement is different what has come before. Unlike civil rights,
labour, and the women's movement that organized specific constituencies,
the environmental movement is organizing on behalf of the natural
world- water, air, land and nature. As environmentalists we are trying
to change the way we our lives. The way we race for economic growth and
only succeed in destroying the means for surviving as a species. Deep down
we know we cannot consume and despoil the natural world at the rate we
have since the end of the Second World War. We know the planet cannot absorb
another 50 years of consumption by the industrialized countries;
much less the pent up expectations of developing countries. We must
use the new millenium as an opportunity to critically reflect upon the
unsustainable road we are set upon and change to a sustainable path that
measures life in qualitative rather than quantitative terms. Money
means nothing if the ecosystem is collapsing.
The environment and its well being must become the prime concern for
humanity. Each of us must take responsibility for modifying our individual
and collective actions. The transition is not going to be easy. Nor will
it be without disruption or dislocation. But the longer we put it off,
the harsher will be the disruption and dislocation. The more difficult,
painful and costly the change.
To move on this new path environmentalists need to build a movement
that is non-partisan and universal as we can make it. We cannot allow the
future of the planet to become the dividing line between political tendencies.
We need to convert the broad public consensus around environmental concerns
into a common project that engages the entire community and becomes the
common and most pressing political agenda of candidate sseeking office.
All people need pure, clean drinking water free of additives.
We all need clean air to breath. And we all want the natural world with
its wondrous biodiversity left in tact for future generations. Our consumption
should produce a minimum of risk, damage and dislocation to the environment.
We cannot allow the pursuit of profit to compromise the well being of the
entire planet. To turn a phrase, "It's not just the economy stupid!" Without
a healthy environment you can’t have a healthy economy. Now
there are only rising costs in coping with increasing cancer rates and
other afflictions brought on by ozone depletion, industrial pollution,
climate change and tinkering with the very fabric of life.
It is important to celebrate our accomplishments, reach out to
new constituencies and chart new visions. SPEC has achieved a lot
in 30 years, but the tasks ahead are pressing. As environmental devastation
and disruption grow, this is no time for “I told you so.” Now is
the time to engage new energy and approaches in reshaping
our society.
This is an opportunity for the hundreds and even thousands of
activists who have supported SPEC over the past 30 years to renew your
memberships. This is also the time to committ your support to SPEC by becoming
a financial sustainer.
It is said no man is an island. But planet earth is; a
living island floating through space and protected only by a thin skin
of atmosphere. This fact must never be forgotten as we choose
those paths that ensure that humanity, and all the species with whom we
share planet Earth, survive to celebrate the next millenium. The choice
is that stark. The time for decisive change is now.
David Cadman first worked on SPEC’s 1976 Fraser River Coalition slide
show. Former GVRD communications director, David is knowlegable
on watersheds, urban land use and public transit issues.
David is co-chair of the BCEN and chairperson of the CEN.
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