it’s customary at this time of year to reflect upon things that have happened in the past 12 months and look forward to what the next while may bring to us.
So rather than buck that trend, I’ve polished up my crystal ball and spent a bit of time gazing into the future. Here’s what I see.
There is no shortage of problems in our world, but then, that’s always been the case. We hear about exotic and deadly diseases running rampant overseas, and some also touch our shores, but imagine how folks felt during the plague years in Europe or seeing friends and relatives fall victim to the Spanish flu in 1918. ISIS and the Taliban are the scourge of the Middle East, whereas it was the Christian scorched earth policies that lead to “dread and dead” in the Middle Ages. Our economy seems shaky, just as it did during the fall of Rome, the Irish potato famine and the Great Depression. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
So, as has always been the case, we will move forward. Although my day pretty much has my hair straight back jetting around North America as well as spending time in all parts of our beautiful province, I’ve taken time to think about how I can best contribute to the future. Because in spite of the doom and gloom scenarios painted every day by the media, we also have a lot of exciting things to which we can look forward.
We are on the cusp of seeing renewable energy, mainly wind and solar but also tidal, geothermal and the like, taking off like never before. As I live my life in that industry, it’s invigorating to think about the potential. I’m also extremely optimistic about how First Nations communities and their leaders are taking charge of their own collective futures while at the same time working collaboratively with the private sector to pursue common interests. I continue to be very privileged to be part of that activity. I also see some more concerning things up ahead, such as overpopulation, a dramatic change to our food supply and a climate that is changing. We will adapt but in many ways, humans adapt by waiting too long, enabling catastrophe, then picking themselves up off the ground. It’s not the recommended way but probably where we are headed again.
With that history in mind, I’ve taken stock of not only what my future could be but how I’ve contributed in the past. I’ve talked too much and acted too little. Ranting is therapeutic but doesn’t get much done. Action does. I’m in a fortunate position in life where I get to be part of the conversation about some of the changes mentioned, so I’ll be spending more time helping design that future. It’ll be both challenging and fun, but will also take time. To that end, this is my last column in the Squamish Chief. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy New Year.
