The WWF recently published a report showing that we’ve wiped out 60% of animal life since 1970. The truth that none of us want to hear is that we are responsible. Our consumer lifestyles – especially our desire for an unending supply of cheap meat – are what’s fuelling this destruction. All of the wonder, beauty and diversity of this stunning earth is being annihilated so that we can have the things we want. This news should fill us with rage and grief, yet those emotions mean nothing if we don’t act.
‘We are the first generation to know we are destroying our planet, and the last one that can do anything about it.’ – Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of the WWF.
Sonnet for the end of the world
This is what happens when the world is obsessed with more,
This is what happens when our hearts are ruled by greed,
This is what happens when growth is the highest law,
This is what happens when we want convenience and speed.
This is what happens when we stuff ourselves with meat,
This is what happens when we’re addicted to fast fashion,
This is what happens when we don’t care about what we eat,
This is what happens when consumption is our passion.
This is what happens when we believe the establishment’s lies,
This is what happens when we think nature is ours to use,
This is what happens when we shut our ears and eyes,
This is what happens when we need to act but refuse.
If we don’t change now, there won’t be an earth to revive;
If we don’t change the way we live, there’ll be nothing left alive.
– Gideon Heugh
Gideon Heugh 