A Feminist Perspective on Our Planet's Crisis: Step by Step
Written on
Chapter 1: Reconnecting with Mother Earth
The renowned Paul Salopek is recognized for his incredible journeys on foot across the globe. Our planet, often referred to as Mother Earth, serves as our nurturing foundation for life. Unfortunately, over millennia, she has suffered a decline in reverence, particularly following the industrial revolution, which has distanced humanity both physically and mentally from our intrinsic bond with nature.
Instead of being revered, Mother Earth has faced exploitation, degradation, and abuse, leading to what we now term climate change—a phenomenon that encompasses far more than just rising temperatures. For those willing to see the reality, it's clear that our planet is both undervalued and increasingly burdened. The relentless release of CO2 is affecting various life forms, including humans, with each passing day.
In addition to the devastation of forests, coral reefs, and livestock, we must acknowledge the human toll, with women and children bearing the brunt of these changes. This disconnect stems from a fundamental error: we have neglected the sacred balance that nature demands, losing sight of our place within it.
A mindset of possession has replaced a sense of community, leading us to confine ourselves indoors, fixated on screens instead of experiencing the beauty and diversity that enrich our lives. Nowadays, many individuals spend more time on digital devices than in nature. We find ourselves in cars more often than we gaze at the stars, engaging online rather than enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like daydreaming by a river or resting in a field.
Hunting and Gathering in a Digital World
Across the globe, women are responsible for tasks like fetching water and preparing meals—activities that require significant physical effort. Yet, they too have come to depend on technology, integrating CO2-emitting devices into their daily routines. We have essentially transformed into digital hunters and gatherers, pursuing information and deals rather than the natural resources that sustain us. These transactions occur without our awareness of the environmental costs or the origins of the products we consume.
Salopek's extensive journey of over 13,000 miles has exposed him to landscapes altered by human activity and cultures that have adopted an exploitative view of nature and gender roles. The essence of our belonging is at risk, but awareness is rising, prompting people to reconnect with their senses and reclaim what has been lost.
The first video, "Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet" features a keynote speech by Ursula K. Le Guin, exploring how we can coexist with a deteriorating environment.
Out of Eden: A Journey Through Time
Salopek's expedition, titled "Out of Eden," will encompass a staggering 24,000 miles of travel. This journey symbolizes not only humanity's migration from Africa over 200,000 years ago but also our departure from a time when harmony between humanity and nature was maintained.
Our disconnection can largely be traced back to the establishment of rigid social hierarchies. As small tribes coalesced into larger societies, leadership often fell to a male figure deemed 'divine,' leading to the subjugation of those who were seen as lesser, particularly women and the natural world.
In a recent article in National Geographic, Salopek poses critical questions about labor disparities: Who is consistently underpaid? Who is often uneducated? Who bears the brunt of daily toil? Climate change and biodiversity loss are intertwined with these issues, echoing in every conversation he has along his path.
A Handmade Tale: Crafting Our Future
By delving into countless cultures worldwide, Salopek reveals how profoundly human presence has altered the planet. This impact is especially evident in the rapid pace of pollution, population growth, and displacement driven by technological advancement.
For tens of thousands of years, human progress was gradual. "Out of Eden" encapsulates over 60,000 years of human evolution. Salopek refers to this era as the "handmade world," emphasizing that since we have created our current circumstances, we also have the power to reshape them daily through education, connection, and a commitment to equity.
Each of us can contribute to a brighter future by actively participating in these efforts.
The second video features Jordan Peterson discussing the motivations behind his experiences and challenges, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity.
We can each play a role in crafting a better world. Engage, follow, and share your thoughts to receive appreciation from Christyl Rivers. If you have a story, essay, or poem that highlights women or marginalized groups, consider submitting it to the Wave!