The World is Shared with Many Others

The hardest task is to understand–both mentally and emotionally–and act upon the fact that the world is shared with many others. Our actions affect the lives of these others, even if they live far away.

I love coral reefs, and the rainbow of splendid creatures who inhabit them. I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend time with these beings who live in a world far older than ours. Their home, the coral reef, is declining and dying because of global warming. The causes of that warming can be traced to my home, where the energy from fossil fuels (mostly gas, oil and coal) provides endless comfort and convenience. Every time I drive my car, turn up the heat, and take a long hot shower, I contribute to the destruction of the ocean kingdoms I love so much. Even though I know all this, it’s hard to be mindful of it, and make daily decisions that reflect that mindfulness.

We don’t do a good job of recognizing root causes and long-term effects; of recognizing the interconnectedness of our choices with other lives on Earth. For example, as the price of gasoline has risen in recent months, I have heard no mention on TV news of the direct relationship between gas guzzling cars and climate change… or dying reefs. I have heard no mention of the subsidies that give us artificially low prices and encourage our overconsumption.

This year’s Earth Day focus on global warming gives us a chance to understand that our daily decisions matter–and a chance to resolve anew to have compassion for the lives of people, plants, and animals affected by our choices. As Peter Raven reminds us: "The world is shared with many others, and is not a series of personal accounts to be drained at will."