I’ve always found some small respite in symbolism, a sign perhaps that a kernel of my religious upbringing yet persists in a warm corner of my soul. And so as I write these words, on the deepest, darkest day of the year, with wind and snow raking at our windows, I take some measure of comfort that we are hesitantly moving back towards the light. For there is always hope, hope that humanity ― for all our failings and puffing hubris ― can aspire to profound acts of faith, decency, kindness and, yes, even wisdom.
The sweet, haunting melodies of Loreena McKennit’s To Drive The Winter Cold Away are wafting through our apartment here in an unsuspecting tiny town perched near the very end of the continent. Each note reminds me of how a world filled with unspeakable acts of destruction and cruelty can also be a world that gives birth to springing creativity and enduring beauty.
We can’t give into despair. The climate news this week was so unrelentingly bleak that it feels as if the Ringwraiths are circling. But there was a brief flash, a glimmering along the horizon that is flitting skyward, like the aurora, offering us that most cherished of gifts.
Another chance.
That redoubtable democracy has finally elected a president who can answer the call to greatness. And to the extent that any one man can beat back the darkness, I have a brimming faith in Mr. Obama ― who will become the world’s most powerful leader just twenty-nine days from now. Each decision that he made in the past fortnight has confirmed my belief in his insight and acumen. He understands that climate change is the truest challenge, not of our generation, but for all time. I’m also comforted by the thought that words like intelligence, education, science, and integrity will once again be held in high regard, their luster restored.
Obama has chosen men and women of letters and uncommon ability, men and women who aren’t afraid to challenge authority, deliver bad news, speak with unfailing honesty, and then roll up their sleeves and get down to the business of saving the planet. We need each quality in healthy measure, but we need them first to get busy.
I’m not for one moment suggesting that Barack Obama is some half-hallowed saint who will save us from ourselves. He’s just one a politician, and I have little doubt that he’ll make many mistakes during his first term. How could he not, with the depth and breadth our of problems? I also know that the United States is but a fifth of the climate change problem, and that other nations have the potential to rise in history on their insight and resolve.
But America, for good or ill, is vital to our future. It’s the first major skirmish of this new fight for the planet, and the one that will embolden us for the trying path ahead. I am lifted by my belief that Obama is a smart man who isn’t afraid to let people smarter than himself into the room. We need the entire White House to be filled with educated, brilliant people who will shake up the halls of power.
Obama is doing exactly as I’d hoped. He’s picking the best people for the most important positions in his cabinet and administration. And at this point in world history, that doesn’t mean that I’m as chuffed about his Secretaries of Defense or the Treasury, but of the scientists and policy wonks who have rounded out his environmental portfolio.
It’s almost been funny this week, as I’ve watched the Internet’s best climate change writers greet each appointment with virtual high-fives and deep satisfaction. I could easily imagine a smiling Joe Romm at Climate Progress doing a happy dance with his young daughter, who gives meaning to his tireless pursuit of the truth.
I felt it, too ― a brief welling here and there that softened the news. This week was the best of times, and the worst of times. We know that climate change is rolling over us, and we are not ready. Many will suffer and die because of our petty bickering. But we also know that the best and brilliant minds of our generation are seeking a way out of this deceptive morass.
On this, the darkest of days, we are moving towards the light.
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John Holdren talking about climate change via US Climate Action
Find out more about:
John Holdren, Science via Climate Progress
Steven Chu, Energy via Climate Progress
Lisa Jackson, EPA via The Washington Post
Carol Browner, Energy & Climate Change via Time
Hilda Solis, Labor via Salon
Jane Lubchenco, NOAA via Wikipedia