Chapter Eleven
Personal Responses
The purpose of this Chapter is to explore the poten- tial of a personal response to the expected difficulties of the future. Most of what has preceded this has dealt with the environment, economy and world issues. But how does an individual deal with such issues? A lot depends on where one lives, in what country and under what present conditions. In any case, awareness of trends (and blockages) and preparation in advance are certainly the best policies for each individual and each family.
Being aware of what is likely to transpire in one's area in the future is the prelude to any action. Because of the many competing forces and the journalistic tendency to see the worst side of an issue it is not easy to sort out the realities. The urge to denial is a powerful force. The former residents of New Orleans moving back into their old area after Katrina is an example. It is almost certain that another and greater tropical storm will occur again and the story repeated. The popular view to set economics ahead of the environment is so strong that it takes clear perception to know the right course.
A person or family can choose to act on its own and insulate itself from future change as much as possible. Or one might prefer to choose to live in a select community that features harmony with the environment. See Chapter Nine for types of communities available. In any case it is prudent to adopt the principles of voluntary simplicity and live lightly on the Earth.
One might consider to provide, as much as possible, one's own food supply by adequate farming or gardening. The current situation of food for urban areas coming from far distant sources may no longer be reliable when trans- portation becomes restricted.
Clean water is an important component and requires living in a location where this is assured. Water tables have been shrinking for many years and with climate change this will be more frequent.
It would be wise to keep in mind that electrical energy is an important component of life and is necessary for most lifestyles. It may be unreliable or non-existent from normal sources of supply. This must be allowed for in the many possible alternatives available. As time unfolds, some of these needs will make themselves appar- ent but their possibilities must be allowed for in advance of the pressures of high demand. In the extreme, urban areas with limited food and energy supply and rising sea levels, may well become uninhabitable.
Perhaps all of this is obvious but preparation in advance is not likely to be the general reaction of the population. For those that do act ahead of an impending crisis it alleviates the general pressure that is likely.
But what of those that cannot afford to relocate in order to live a simpler lifestyle?
In general it is best to live as simply as possible under the circumstances and to help others to do the same. Helping others would include an outreach function, that is to be an activist to help influence others in the community to act in an environmentally conservative manner.
Keeping personally fit is fundamental to any and all of these proposals. A careful diet and plenty of exercise is not the popular norm but should be observed strictly for those interested in creating a workable and sustainable future.