We can’t legislate love.

At the end of Bill Gates’ book, ‘Avoiding A Climate Disaster’, was a suggestion which surprised me. His last suggestion to consider, after outlining practical ways we can all take positive actions, was to “Be thoughtful in how we speak about climate change”.

In a book dominated by science, engineering, economic strategies, policy making and geopolitical actions… he ended with the need to have conversations about climate change while recognising that there isn’t today, widespread agreement, nor even widespread acceptance of the challenges we face. There certaining isn’t widespread action.

However, as he pointed out we are doing more today that we ever have done, as a world and population, to meet the challenge. We are having conversations, agreements, events and gaining traction from industry, heads of state, and to a certain extent, media resources.

I’m excited by the role Trailblazer claims in the conversation. As the one voice of an author, as a small team of individuals, and as a growing movement of people - we have one thing going for us which I believe changes the conversation, and changes the world - we know how to get along respectfully.

I am committed to this, as I know everyone in this team and community are. Whether we are enthusiasts, hikers, climbers, athletes, environmental champions, stewards and stalwarts who can give time and resources to the cause… we can all effect change and we can all play a positive role.

As a writer, I see the power of words and the power of choosing words and questions carefully in ways which honor our differences and similarities. As a climber and guide, I witness that once we are all in the same mountain team, stripped of labels, titles, status and story… we are all as one, all equal in the eyes of nature, and we all - all of us - agree that protecting our right to go to nature and to protect our environment from pollution, extreme heat and storms, over-development and/or destruction - is important, possibly our greatest priority because if we don’t have a safe place to live… what foundation is there to build communities, economies and to enjoy our time here?

Today, my Trailblazer Tuesday actions will be to:

1. Journal thoughtfully about some beliefs and personal actions on the subject of climate change and it’s effects.

2. Reach out to someone I know has conflicting beliefs to mine and engage in a supportive conversation.

Perhaps you’d like to join me in doing the same?

Policy and regulation have historically helped our environment greatly, The US Clean Air Act was responsible for stopping smog in Los Angeles and London in the 1950’s, an event caused by air-pollution which killed thousands of citizens each year. However, we can’t legislate people to get along or to respect each other, for that we need one on one conversations, reaching out to each other and being thoughtful of the differences we notice, even as we can all agree we want to live, and to have future generations live, in a safe and beautiful world.