In nature there is one core rule to survive and safeguard your species’ future; the rule of sustainability. Everything on the planet of Earth form part of the ecosystem that makes life possible. From the tiniest microorganism to the big blue whales in our oceans. Nature made sure everyone and everything was equally empowered, for us to all play a very important role. For million of years this was in the DNA of every creature and the diversity thrived, until humans happened. Somehow the blessing of an intellect turned into a burden for the one giving it to us. Was the blessing too much for us to handle?
The humans became skilled and for a while they lived in harmony with the nature they depended on. Then greed was born and I am not talking about the greed of wanting to have food on the table and a roof above your head. For sure survival and instinct have during all times resulted in bloodshed among all species on Earth. No, I am rather talking about the greed of wanting more than others and not taking into consideration that it will harm the society and generations to come. Somehow, along the way to what we are today, the built in programme for the human species’ survival broke. We lost our ability to see long-term and the leaders of the communities went from being the strongest and wisest ones to instead be the greediest.
At about the same time, the commons lost their belief in the power of individuals. We ended up with a community not understanding how to create a change, how to be persistent and how to fight for their rights. We enabled a society being just the one our leaders and the greedy ones wanted.
We are at the moment walking towards the climate crisis and the signs are indeed visible along the path, crying for our attention. But like sheep being led to the slaughter house, we follow the hand that feeds us and trust blindly their nice promises of protection. They will most of the time protect their own needs instead. In the case of politics, too often the will to be elected and re-elected seems to come before the will of saving our planet. No one wants to step on the toes of businessmen whose support will increase their chance to succeed politically. We need more people walking the walk and on the way noticing the signs of threats and scream stop. We need these people, the ‘doers’ to grab the ones on their way to the slaughterhouse and wake them up and make them think critically.
I went into politics to offer an option for people who want to see a new kind of politics. It’s time for a new generation to take over, a generation who for sure will face a more certain danger and with that realise the severity of the scope. There is no more time to wait. We might not be able to stop climate change, but for sure we don’t need to speed it up. Elected or not, I will continue fighting relentlessly for Malta and the environment, it is in my DNA and it can’t ever be washed out. I have had my goal set since a decade and I for sure have a long way to go. The day I leave this world, I at least can say that I kept my head high and fought for the good of the commons. To serve the people, you need to be amongst the people and that’s where I will remain.
Sometimes I wonder how greedy people and power abusing leaders sleep at night. Or is insomnia only a problem for the humble and caring ones?
Two things need immediate attention; reducing our negative footprint and seeking green alternatives where not possible. Sustainability has to be at the core of every single decision taken at any level. What are we waiting for? Do we really need the end of the world to be seen at the horizon before we realise what we are doing wrong?
Let’s be the Homo sapiens this Earth deserves. Let’s go back in time and change the moment where humans started to think they were superior. Let’s understand that we are one of many and that we therefore also have a responsibility towards the wellbeing of the others.
Seriously, enough bullshit, it’s time for action. Let’s not wait for the greedy and corrupt ones to save us, because they won’t. Let them stand on the side, counting their money, while we count our blessings for being decent human beings.
Camilla Appelgren is a PD candidate for the EP elections