"Die-in" at the Queensland Museum

Stephen and I thought it was a good day to die today at the Mass Extinction Rebellion Lie-in at the Queensland Museum. We had plenty of company. People of all ages, families and young children. Extinction Rebellion is an international movement using non-violent actions to achieve radical change.

A past Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, was quoted by media as saying that climate change activism has become a religion substitute. I think climate change action IS religion at its best. The sacred scriptures of every major religion and the indigenous spiritual wisdoms of the world talk about humanity’s duty to safeguard the planet. They talk about the interconnectedness of all living things. For better or for worse, we are this planet’s caretakers. Modern science, a different kind of search for truth, is telling us we are doing a lousy job.

One young lad at the rally spoke eloquently about his concerns for the Great Barrier Reef. Some people, even politicians, say that we don’t have to worry because our scientists can regrow the coral that has been lost. Did you know that to replace one coral costs $50? That means to replace only 10% of GBR would cost about $ 3 trillion. An ecologist from Griffith University spoke of the need for normal, everyday people to stand up as the only realistic way change will happen. Another speaker reminded folks present that political science shows non-violent actions are 4 times more effective at causing social change - but they require one vital thing - average people have to get involved. Would you like to? Why not join facebook group “Brisbane Climateers” and find out about the many different kinds of actions going on in and around Brisbane? - no pressure - choose the ones that appeal to you and be the change you want to see in the world.

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead