Ripples of Hope

I have recently returned from attending the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions. I was part of the Press Corps. That gave me the oppurtunity to interview eco-movers and changers from around the world. There were over 7000 attendess from 95 countries representing 210 religions and faith traditions.  I learned about initiatives to help heal a hurting planet. I saw programs and products used to care for people impacted by ecological disasters. I learned of the impact climate change is having around the world. So I was very impressed with indivudals who started movements, faiths that worked to heal the earth, and young people who felt called to act and than began to change their part of the world.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the enormous impact of climate change. It is easy to look at eco-heros and to place them on a pedestal and act as if they are different from the rest of us. However, it is necessary to look around and see the impact of our local eco-warriors, our neighbors who are water, land, and air protectors.  If we are to remain hopeful in the face of climate collapse, if we are to remain motivated to act then we need to focus not on the few who have done globablly incredible things but also those individuals around us whose actions have served to heal our small piece of the planet.  These are the people whose actions serve as a model of hope and restoration. They are the pebbles who, by their behaviors, create a cacasading ripple of hope. 

So my goal is to identify people in my world who inspire by thier consistent actions in the service of creation. They may serve by teaching, research, artistic creation, writing,  networking, or by direct service to the environment. I want to highlight those eco-warriors, those green heroes who are around us and who are models we can aspire to emulate. So please, feel free to share your nominations of local eco-warriors, gia protectors. Please help me celebrate the individuals in our communities who are our Ripple of Hope.