Dear Earth, We Tried

Keeping in mind the scale from the emergence of life up to now, roughly 3.8 billion years ago, in less than one million years we have created complex societies which became the fodder for discovery that allowed technology to flourish heralding our presence to the outer limits of the atmosphere.  I looked at the stars through the silhouette of my fingers and saw that it might not be important how I arrived here, right now, but perhaps to ensure that the world before I leave it would continue in its existence as a home for countless beings who have nowhere to go.

Unfortunately, I travel within social circles that include folks who believe that their own self-interests have greater importance before the rest of society.  Climate change to them is something which is fashioned by hype and held afloat by fear mongers and ill-informed experts motivated by greed.  Because of this, they are not receptive to conservation, or reduction in oil dependency, or preservation of resources by following sustainable practices.  Tragedy of the commons is so literally within reach. Within reach by the same hands I peered through into the night sky, and it is desperately sad.