| Feeling hot under the collar? | | | | greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all |
| Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are | | | | the technology in the world will never be enough |
| rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water | | | | to survive and flourish. |
| restrictions, crop failures... | | | | Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us |
| You name it, if these don't feature in your life | | | | to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to |
| yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate | | | | lead a rewarding life. |
| change are facts of life now, according to the | | | | How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for |
| International Panel on Climate Change, and many | | | | the last few hundred years, has got us to this |
| scientists. | | | | point. And by changing what we do we can live |
| Huge problems beyond our control! | | | | through climate change as best as we might. |
| But are you hot under the collar? | | | | Even now. |
| If you're not, you probably live in a city where | | | | It's simple and it's hard work. No way out of that. |
| half of the Earth's citizens live now and take much | | | | Many people with severe disabilities know this. And |
| for granted. Because in city living we are far | | | | they report the same or better life satisfaction as |
| removed from natural processes that deliver our | | | | anyone else--under highly challenging, vulnerable |
| food, clothing and energy. | | | | circumstances. |
| Does your child even know that milk comes from | | | | So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world. |
| a cow - or a soya bean if you're that way inclined | | | | Regardless of what is to come you and I will be |
| - and not from a milk carton? | | | | well served by the beliefs and strategies that |
| Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the | | | | people with disabilities use to - not just to survive |
| sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not | | | | - but to live well. |
| immune from climate change. Witnesses are the | | | | These are true alternate energy sources. |
| 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris | | | | Those that guide us how to use what we have |
| alone in the sizzling hot European summer of | | | | sustainably. |
| 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the | | | | These 'disabled people' believe this: |
| 'hands' of cyclone Katrina. | | | | * Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable |
| And if you are hot under the collar, do you think | | | | * The world is full of limits. We need some of |
| perhaps that there will be some miraculous | | | | these to live well |
| scientific break-through so they ever-responsible | | | | * Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable |
| 'They' will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell | | | | part of a whole life |
| technology maybe that can clone a new home | | | | * No-one is independent, but interdependent |
| for us! | | | | * Connection with others is our lifeline and our |
| Seriously, for many of us it is just all too hard. | | | | wellbeing |
| All we want is to live a life where we may raise | | | | And they do this: |
| our children to have a future. | | | | * Engage with others to build positive relationship, |
| A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, | | | | where you live, work and play |
| a family, community, of achievements and an | | | | * Pay attention to other's needs and that of the |
| enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth. | | | | environment |
| Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable | | | | * Take responsibility for the situation you're in |
| expectation? | | | | * Care for others and the environment |
| Maybe, maybe not. | | | | competently |
| Our world is changing. There are great challenges | | | | * Be assertive and use your humour and |
| ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. | | | | creativity |
| The Earth has changed and the processes it uses | | | | Not all people with disabilities act in this way of |
| to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And | | | | course. And I'd be the last to portray people with |
| these changes will not suit human life as it is. | | | | disabilities as heroes. We're just people - trying to |
| But you are not powerless. | | | | get on. |
| Each person alone can change the world, one by | | | | You try that! |
| one. Let me explain. | | | | Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a |
| Do I say that these problems are under our | | | | hand when someone needs it. |
| control then? | | | | Doing such small things will connect you with |
| Well, yes and no. | | | | others and your environment. |
| We are talking about a severely disabled world | | | | And do also use the 'regular' renewable alternate |
| really. | | | | energy sources, and recycle too. |
| And from the experience of disability we can | | | | You can change your local world by acting in |
| learn how to survive and thrive! | | | | these ways. |
| "Come on, get real", you say? Do I hear: "Just | | | | And if all fails - regardless? |
| show me the right alternate energy sources and | | | | Well, it's the only way to go! |
| we'll get out of this mess." | | | | Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it'll |
| Yes, we desperately do need to switch to | | | | be cooler under your collar! |
| renewable energy sources that do not make a | | | | |