It’s been a long, hot apocalyptic summer and it’s not over yet! The statistics of how many acres of forest, how many millions of animals, how many lives and properties lost, and the dire forecasts for our future, have been repeated over and over in the national and international press. The government’s head-in-the-sand attitide has been widely criticised — they have responded by throwing some millions at the problem and sticking to their coal loaded guns. While it feels like the worst natural (?) crisis our country has faced (in my lifetime at least) there have been some positives —the emergence of articulate voices like the former fire chiefs (see their plea here) and the appreciation of the extraordinary and tireless actions of volunteers —fire fighters, mosquito squads, sandwich makers and community members in affected towns and regions. In the absence of government during the first months of the fires and even now, it is clear that the true leaders of our country are the community volunteers who despite funding cuts and lack of equipment have repeatedly stepped up to the daily challenges to protect lives and homes.
But as the news cycle moves on to the next world disaster, what part can writers and those working in the arts play in helping to create a safe and sustainable future in which we can all live and co-exist?
The first step to creating a new future is to imagine it. Writers, artists, musicians, sculptors, architects, poets, artisans et al, have always done this. If you build it they will come!
Now more that ever we need the arts to help lead the way, creating stories and new visions for our future.
So when you sit down to make your goals for 2020 this Chinese Year of the Rat, consider how your artistic vision might contribute to creating a better life for all of us.
If you need some help with 2020 goals setting see here.
Get some inspiration from climate change themed art works here and here.
See how the masters do it! Best environment themed fiction books here.
Photos above of author Diana Plater doing property protection and out fundraising with her Foxground RFS crew last month. Diana’s book Whale Rock is available here. Some great reviews! Available on Kindle or print.
Journeys Heading out in 2020
Moroccan Caravan, March 1-15, 2020. Fully booked, wait list.
Moroccan Residency, March 17 – 24, still room to join.
Sensing Italy, May 23 – 30, still room!
Haiku Walking In Japan. November 2020, details confrmed soon!
