More than 30 people gathered at the Summerland Arts and Culture Centre on Dec. 5 to hear Summerland ecologist and writer Don Gayton’s presentation on Humans and Nature: An Evolving Relationship.
Organizers say the presentation was a thought-provoking, intense, interesting and sometimes humorous discussion on what Gayton refers to as “our carbon-clouded future.”
After exploring our historical relationship with nature, as seen through the lens of literature, Gayton challenged the participants to think about where they stand on this issue: How do we respond to climate change? What can we do as individuals, members of our community or as potential political activists? Or, is our concern for the planet eroding?
“Something that has been urgent for 20 years can’t be that urgent,” he said
One participant said there is an element of hope with young people today. Another suggested adopting an initiative to make Summerland the town that goes green.
Others said we need to take more personal responsibility by paying close attention to how we contribute to climate change.
It was generally agreed that if we truly care about the planet, we must advocate for climate action at the provincial, national and international levels.
The Summerland Philosophers’ Cafés will return in the spring. For more information contact Barbara Thorburn at bthorburn@gmail.com.
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