Last month, Netflix premiered a feature film called ‘Don’t Look Up’. There are many reasons to watch this film, including great performances by Leonardo di Caprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchet and Jonas Hill, among others. I’m no movie critic, but as it unfolded, I asked myself, why had all this star power come together in what many might dismiss as a political/sci-fi romp? Then it occurred to me that the villain (which in this case is a ‘comet’) is actually a metaphor for climate change and that the denial, distractions, politics and special interests being acted out on the screen, are EXACTLY the barriers we need to address in order to realize the meaningful changes that will move us closer to becoming a Net-Zero Community. Pay particular attention to di Caprio’s last line in the film. It may sum up the biggest barrier of all – “We had everything.” And just maybe, that’s what keeps us from doing the right thing?
If you are uncomfortable with these types of scenarios – welcome to the club. There is nothing comfortable about what the climate crisis is already doing –and it will only get worse if we don’t act. There is still time and there is still hope, so please do your part – learn more about climate change, learn more about how you can reduce your personal carbon footprint. Join our Sustainable Orillia movement and advocate for leadership, businesses and politicians who don’t just say they support the environment, but have the courage and conviction to enact the changes that will enable long-term sustainability for all of us.
