MIKE MILLER

If Tuesday, Nov. 5 taught me anything, it’s that we are not living in some magical era of environmental enlightenment. A majority of the electorate has moved the political needle in the direction of less federal environmental protections, more fossil fuel consumption, and increased climate impacts. It can be a challenging time for those who care about the long-term, negative impacts our species can have on the planet.

Those who care about nature might feel overwhelmed and exhausted, but we cannot despair. A quote that JRR Tolkien penned in the Lord of The Rings, when Frodo realizes that his harrowing journey will not end in the tranquil elven city of Rivendell. He must go to Mount Doom in the heart of Mordor to destroy the Ring and defeat Sauron. It is a call to hope that sums up my feelings.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

We have the capacity to have positive impacts on the earth’s environment, but sometimes we need to buckle down and refocus our efforts. The next few years will see less federal leadership in charting the course towards a better, environmentally sustainable future. But this doesn’t mean that that the road towards an environmentally sustainable future no longer exists. We might just need to re-direct our efforts, and focus more locally. It was Ronald Reagan who once said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” I think he was wrong. More terrifying are the nine words, “I’m from the Government, and I’m here to harm.” We are in an era where the collective greater good is being sacrificed for the short-term gain. This is human nature after all. It shouldn’t really surprise us. So, now that we have formally adopted this federal agenda, what can one do to ensure our better angels don’t wither and evaporate into a warming atmosphere? Here are some ideas of what to do with the times that are given us.

Be critical

The fractured media landscape makes it very easy to isolate oneself into an opinion silo. There are algorithms and channels that push and pull our society to the far ends of the informational spectrum. Sources of environmental information should be built on sound, scientific principle, not by opinion or corporate ideology. Trust sources that are transparent in citing sources of their information. A great example is Community Word writer William Rau, who tackles serious climate science issues and documents the sources. There are varying opinions, but not varying facts.

Be active

There are numerous environmental groups and organizations in central Illinois. If you are interested in becoming active in local preservation of natural areas, consider volunteering for a local Land Trust. These private not-for-profit organizations are actively protecting natural areas through land acquisitions, conservation easements, and natural area stewardship. These organizations not only require volunteers to do conservation field work, but they also need professional assistance in legal, real estate, and financial services. Land Trusts have protected close to 254,000 acres of land in Illinois. Given the potential challenges that the change in federal focus will likely be headed, conservation work in the private sector will be crucial to weathering the storm. To find out what local Land Trusts are in your part of Illinois, visit the Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s Land Trust Directory  prairiestateconservation.org or reach out to me and I would be happy to help you get connected with a Land Trust volunteer opportunity.

Be kind

These will be emotionally challenging times. Fomenting conflict and polarizing people are pathways the power brokers will guide us down to remain on top. Federal institutions that have long-term professional staff that believe in clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, are about to go through a drastic refocus. Even state agencies will be challenged due to cuts in federal funding sources. Exercise kindness with government employees who are finding their world changing. Also, show that same grace to your family, neighbors, and friends. Turn off the 24-7 news cycle and get to know someone who doesn’t think like you. Take them for a hike in the woods. Ask them to join you on a volunteer workday at a local nature preserve. Invite them on a canoe trip on a local river. Interact with people who have a different viewpoint. You will find out that we really do have more in common than we have in conflict. That will make the time that has been given us a little more meaningful.