"We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive." Albert Einstein

Albert was not only worried about nuclear war but also how corporations try to stop the flow of ideas.

In 2007, we know that governments and large corporations have been instrumental in denying that the Earth is in deep trouble. Recently, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China and the USA demanded changes in the UN's report called Climate Change 2007: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. 

Governments, including our own, are more interested in adapting to climate change than mitigating the effects of anthropocentrically caused climate change.  After all, there is a lot of money to be made in adapting but little to be made in living more simply. The tragedy of climate change rests at the feet of all of us over the age of 30.
    

"Never trust anyone over 30" was the battle cry of the younger generation during the 1960's and 70's. What is a young person to do now when faced with the seemingly endless contradictory statements and inactions that characterize older generations?

Unfortunately, appealing to the graying populations' altruism towards future generations hasn't worked. A lot of these people want to conveniently believe that technology will save our youth in the end. "Convenience" is the key word here.

For the most part, this same self-serving group wants to make sure that there are still cruise ship tours, flights to exotic locations and second homes. The self-righteous shout is, "I can afford to!"

"Simple living" is delegated to the poorest nations that never contributed to climate change, but will suffer the first disasters that climate change is now bringing! The older demographic group love to say that only a catastrophic event will make people take notice that our planet's ecosystem is collapsing. 

Please note that these worried citizens are unlikely to have the catastrophe happening in their backyard, so they don't have to step in and take the necessary ethical actions to change their own indulgent way of life. Good intentions and no actions amount to more carbon dioxide.   

Was Thomas Jefferson the ultimate hippie when he said, "A little revolution from time to time is a good thing"? 

Dear youth, it is time to wake up from the siren's call of greed and complacency that has been the unethical ethos of most North American and European people. It is critical that you participate in changing the focus in government and in your own homes from one of needless growth and consumerism to a sustainable and holistic society.

Youth must take charge of its future to create the institutions that respect all life on Earth; otherwise the biosphere will destroy you. 

"I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies/This is the dawning of the rest of our lives" (Green Day). Tragically, the older generations have let you down.

An election is coming. Perhaps there is a party out there that will work for and with you, and if not, start a new party. You don't like how the company that you work for treats this planet? Become involved in decision making at work. Demand a new code of planetary ethics in the work place or start your own company.

Sadly, time is running out to make a huge difference; no one else will look out for your future! Take a look at www.ourclimate.ca to start. Get up and start working. You have everything to gain. Now is the right time!