The diagnosis:
Mass denial and other forms of
Ecological Avoidance Syndrome (EAS)
By Vinit
Allen
Executive Director of the Sustainable World Coalition
One can only marvel at the sweeping paradox of our time
We have the blessing and the curse to be living in a time
in which scientists have repeatedly reported on the imminent destruction—and
in many cases, collapse—of major parts of virtually all of the
earth's principle ecosystems. The rate of destruction, overall, is accelerating
rapidly. 
In spite of the abundant and verifiable evidence, political leaders
continue to be elected, both in this country and abroad, who clearly
do not have protection of the environment as a high priority, and
so we drift rapidly toward further impending disasters of catastrophic
dimensions. While it is politically correct to mention the importance
of environmental conservation, the voting record of politicians makes
their priorities clear to see. And as the saying goes, if you're
not outraged, then you're not paying attention.
How on earth did we get into this mess?? And even more importantly,
how do we get out of it? An examination of the psychology involved may
prove crucial to ensuring that the earth is restored to being a healthy
place for humans and other species, and indeed, to ensuring our very
survival.
One does not need to look far to make the observation that people will
usually opt for what is most comfortable and least expensive in the
short term, even when their future may be made very uncomfortable and
expensive by those choices. If this were not so, then the case for eating
healthy foods (as one example among many) that generally cost more and
are not as enticing tastewise (at first) would not need to be made by
doctors. On a collective scale, we see this principle at work in the
destruction of the rainforests (the mind-numbing statistic of an acre
destroyed every second is still true) and in the leveling of the small
remaining percentage of old growth forests around the world. This is
continuing despite the fact that in doing so we are destroying the lungs
of the planet, the primary converter of carbon dioxide to oxygen. What
is wrong with this picture?
Resignation / Apathy
Many are caught in "but I'm just one person against massive forces—whatever
I do on my own won't make a dent in things, so I'm not going to bother"
(and it is tempting to go here when we really know the facts). Others
have a kind of fatalistic view of life, a destiny one cannot change
but must simply give in to (whether it be considered positive or negative).
Those who believe in the "divinely prophesized" Apocalypse
are in this category. Obviously, this is anathema to taking a leadership
role with respect to restoring the planet and being motivated to take
the needed action. The apparent legitimacy of this position via religion
makes this one difficult to change for many people.
What drives all of these reactions and keeps them in place? Certainly
the media plays a key role, as we've already seen. In the US, newspapers
and TV news coverage tend to focus on sensational events, not slower
but more important processes of change. Thus we hear about hurricanes
and floods, but not much about topsoil depletion, the large dead zones
opening up in the oceans, the hole in the ozone, the death of the
coral reefs, etc. Hurricanes and floods come and go, as they always
have, but these new massive changes that we have set in motion are
monstrous and will continue to grow and wreak devastation unless we
unite and act to stop them.
How do we break through these impasses? There is no easy solution or
magic pill, but we can start with insisting on honesty and passion in
our communications. If we knew that there actually was a fire burning
in the bow of the ship we were on, all communication would be passionate
and precise, directed fully on putting out the fire. As the different
fires that are burning down our eco-systems continue to rage hotter
and larger, all of us will eventually feel the heat burning our faces—it
will eventually be in everyone's backyard. And then, finally, we will
collectively wake up to our obvious priorities and get into gear for
the firefight and the subsequent recovery like never before.
The prescription
Diagnosis
The key to jumpstart the change of our current situation is a good
understanding of the syndromes of inaction that are so rampant today
and where we personally stand in relation to them. If we can identify
and admit to our own particular strategy of avoidance, then we can take
proactive steps and get involved in putting out the fires.
Get Informed
There are so many excellent resources on the nature of the problems
and what needs to be done about them. These informative resources include
websites, books, documentary videos, educational events, and best of
all, travel to areas where you can directly experience the environmental
degradation (although it may indeed already be evident in your neighborhood)
and witness those who live without even the basics for a decent, healthy
life. The good news is that there is a lot of agreement on viable solutions
and the means to actualize them, though we still clearly lack the collective
political will to implement these solutions.
It is also crucial to become aware of the many proposed alternative
models to existing conditions. A better world is indeed possible, and
an increasing number of organizations are coming up with workable designs
and blueprints for a sustainable future that includes all parties.
Examples of these organizations include:
Get
involved
By making a personal commitment, we can all be part of turning the
tide, wherever we are, starting now. Whether it is teaching our children
to take care of the things we use, or being conscientious about which
companies we support through our purchases, or being passionate in our
conversations, or writing letters to our Congress members, or adopting
a simpler, low impact lifestyle, we can all do our part. There are a
number of important campaigns being coordinated by non-profit public
interest organizations that we can support with our time and money.
Examples of these organizations include:
We are the only species systematically destroying our own habitat,
and destroying countless others with it.
Enough is enough. We are sick. We have the diagnosis. Join me in taking
the medicine.