The Montreal Protocol is perhaps the most successful international agreement so far. It demonstrates (and gives hope) that with collective action and political will, catastrophic environmental trends can be reversed. The ozone layer depletion observed in the 1970’s was subsequently attributed to CFC gases (and others). In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed. Government policy makers, politicians, industry people, technologists and consumers contributed to making a change. And now, 10 years after reaching its worst in 2006, it is now confirmed that the ozone hole is reducing and projected to be “filled” by 2065. Whew!
Good news is always worth celebrating, but the point here is that major problems can be solved with global action. Solutions exist -if we start looking-, we just need to decide to make a change. This video, from the UNEP Youtube channel, explains this history of disruption and solution.
Let’s apply the same will and principles to the huge problems we face. All levels must collaborate, international organisations, policy makers, businesses, individuals… The climate crisis is multi-faceted but not impossible to solve. Specialists and scientists have been researching for decades to define, trial and refine many solutions. By aiming at sustainability, we stop contributing to the problem and become part of the solution.
The world is changing; either we choose to change with it or we are left behind. Change can be exciting!
- “Change before you have to” said Jack Welch, a great businessman
- “Everything is hard, before it’s easy” stated Goethe
- “Comply is not a vision” exclaimed visionary entrepreneur, Ray Anderson
- “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it“, emphasizes explorer Robert Swan
- “If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” warned U. S. Army Chief of Staff, General Eric Shinseki.
These quotes urge us: Stop procrastinating. Stop blaming others. Embrace our responsibilities.
All you need is to take the decision to become sustainable. We can help you change, enjoy the challenge and reap the benefits in the process.
Eco-consulting 