In my beautiful dream, back then,
when scientists spoke, world leaders
and populations listened.
They began the carefully legislated transition
to clean energy, reduced emissions,
sustainable logging, preservation of
all remaining old growth on the planet.
Use of bamboo and hemp was encouraged
Instead of wood to build earth-friendly homes.
25 trees were planted
for every second growth tree they cut.
Pesticides and poisons were banned.
Laws were passed to ensure
industrial "farm" animals
were treated humanely. Small family farms
were subsidized, instead of corporations.
People shopped locally; many grew their own food.
The entire global population reduced
their meat consumption,
greatly reducing emissions.
Industry was required to pay taxes proportionate
to their profit margins. No more fricking
fracking. To gain access to resources,
corporations were required to restore
all the damaged ecosystems they had harmed.
Teams were put together
to clean all water systems.
Oil pipelines were dismantled.
Clean water systems were developed
everywhere instead.
Laws were passed to reduce plastic
production and its use;
Inventors found new ways
to re-use plastic and rubber
for roads and infrastructure.
Grants were given for electric cars;
public transit was improved and
was available everywhere.
In time, Mother Earth drew an easy breath
and began to heal. She and humankind
worked together, because we knew
we were a part of nature, not its master.
Skies cleared; temperatures lowered;
the whole wide wonderful world turned green.
The non-human realm began to flourish once again.
All the dying stopped.
Mother Earth tries so hard to heal,
given half a chance.
This dream, this beautiful dream
makes nature spirits dance.
My prompt at earthweal on Monday contemplates The World That Might Have Been had early warnings been heeded. Sigh. This is my first take. Saving another to link on Monday. Today i can smell smoke from the wildfires. The sky is yellow grey. The To Do list is more urgent than ever.
Indeed a beautiful dream, Sherry and a message too! JIM
ReplyDeleteLovely vision, that reality we might have had had we the vision and courage and no Republican presidents in the US. Looking forward to the views from the tribe -
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a Swedish 80's song. When we still dreamed of a better tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe refrain goes:
I have a dream of a world without wars
Where we live together in peace
A world where we help each other
Were soldiers has left their posts
I have a dream of a future of life
That dream could soon come true
We build the future together
Hand in hand
Well this is heartbreaking Sherry, as when you spell it out, it all seems like it would have been easily achievable. I am not sure if it is anymore, but we must try!
ReplyDeleteWell if this doesn't happen soon the consequences for this planet could be dire..Let us hope your dream comes true....you are pretty good at wishes,,I never though you would get back to living by the sea but you did...so whatever and however you do this wish thing....keep working at it:)
ReplyDelete