Ecology: for a complete turnaround

Le Regard Libre Special issue «Ecology: For a complete turnaround» - Loris S. Musumeci

The theme is passionate. It questions, divides, provokes debates, movements and denials. Since the ecological crisis has been on the international diplomatic agenda, there has undeniably been a widening gap in thinking. Among the most eccentric-sounding names, we find climatoskeptics, climatorealists, more political «Greens» and simple activists. green from all sides.

Each of these positions has its share of serious intellectuals and researchers. But it also has its share of absurdities. In the name of an ecological awakening, animal rights activists have gone so far as to call into question man's place on Earth, given his disruptive nature. These same activists have demanded that animal rights be raised to the same level as human rights. Some of them even stick strips of paper on posters, pointing out the «speciesist» criminals such as the three old men in traditional dress posing for a cheese advertisement. Laugh or cry?

In the other camp, President Donald Trump, while still a candidate, proudly declared that global warming was an invention of the Chinese to harm the West. Back in 2013, he had already issued a tweet no less delicate on this subject: «Global warming is total, and very expensive hoax (hoax)!» Laugh or cry?

Ecological reflection and action are necessary today. As they have always been. The fact that ecology has become such a buzzword is due in no small part to scientific research into the effects of climatic upheavals caused, if only in part, by environmentally unsustainable overproduction. The animal cause has taken its rightful place in the wake of the macabre and disorderly treatment inflicted on animals. These apocalyptic and dismaying scenarios are in fact opportunities to reclaim a healthy relationship with nature, of which man himself is a part.

Reasonable regulations on the slaughter of livestock, awareness-raising campaigns in schools on sustainable development and municipal directives requiring waste sorting are a worthy step forward. However, we need to achieve an ecology that concerns human beings right down to their private lives. Taking care not to waste too much water or electricity is a good thing, but it's not enough. Ecology must be integral.

This thought is inspired by Pope Francis in his encyclical letter «On Safeguarding the Common Home», Praise be to you. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, he urges us to marvel at creation and its creatures. «Praise be to you, my Lord, for sister mother earth, who sustains us and governs us, and produces various fruits with the colorful flowers and grass», sang the saint, whispering in the ears of animals.

The wonder is in the beauty and simplicity of the environment, and in the endearing fragility of living creatures. A bird's nest deserves respect because it is necessary to its survival, and was built with hard work. Man's soul and body are to be respected. What he in turn creates, maintains and passes on, must be preserved: language, art, know-how and so many other great things. Suddenly, ecology is gaining in importance; we feel more concerned. Let's make a complete turnaround in our attitude.

Write to the author: loris.musumeci@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Marina De Toro for Le Regard Libre