Small actions can make a world of difference

Here’s your weekly Science Matters column by David Suzuki with Faisal Moola.

Small actions can make a world of difference

As you no doubt know, last week’s Earth Hour took place in several cities around the world, including many in Canada.

The project was spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund, which
successfully tested the idea in Sydney, Australia, last year. The idea
is simple: ask everyone to flick off lights and non-essential
appliances for an hour.

Earth Hour was a fascinating experiment. It’s a bold idea. As
Marshall McLuhan famously observed, we live in a global village. And
Earth Hour is an expression of cooperation and support between the
other villagers on our little blue planet.

It’s easy to downplay this idea.

Many people did. Last week, it seemed as if all of Canada’s
contrarians got space in newspapers and radio to complain: “Turn off
the lights?! Says who? I paid for them, and I’ll leave them on as long
as I darn well please!”

Fine.

We live in a free society and we are free to do as we please. But
these naysayers have a myopic view of the world, and the important
social networks of which we are all a part.

When individuals do something beneficial for the
environment–turning off the lights for an hour to show support for a
good idea, or using energy-efficient appliances, or purchasing
fuel-efficient cars–they aren’t just taking a simple action. They are
expressing a bold statement about their values.

On Saturday, millions around the world quietly announced, through
actions instead of words, that they think environmental conservation is
important.

It’s not much different from the audiences who attend hockey games
or rock concerts. When a fan sees a goal scored, or hears the opening
chords to their favorite song, they put their hands together to make a
noise. Clapping is one of the simplest things that humans are capable
of.

But it has an effect. Just ask anyone who’s been to a stadium
recently. The air fills with thunderous applause. People start to hoot
and holler. Chairs start to vibrate. And you can see the passion that
fans have for their teams and musical heroes.

The simple act of turning off lights and appliances for an hour has
an incredibly important symbolic value, and it’s as profound as a
applause in a crowded stadium.

When we express our values, others take notice and we are energized
by not being alone. And pretty soon a lot of inspired individuals start
operating as a collective. And once this happens, unusual things occur.

You don’t have to look far to find inspiring examples. The history books–and Wikipedia–are full of them.

Who can ever forget Rosa Parks, who became an icon of civil rights
by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in the
segregated south?

Who can forget the lone Chinese protestor in 1989 who bravely showed
the world his courage by refusing to move from oncoming tanks in
Tiananmen Square?

And who can forget Terry Fox, who continues to inspire thousands
around the world to take part in the non-competitive run that bears his
name each year? All this, even though this brave young man didn’t live
to complete his own cross-Canada journey.

As single acts, in and of themselves, these actions aren’t all that
special. Certainly noteworthy, but not earth shaking. Yet, in a sense,
these simple acts became larger symbols, succeeding in shaking up our
thoughts about racism, authoritarian regimes, and cancer research.

This all brings us back to last week’s Earth Hour. On Saturday
night, news footage from around the world showed several cities making
a difference, albeit symbolically. It showed conclusively that there
are millions out there who aren’t afraid to show that we care about the
environment.

Of course, after the allotted time, lights were turned back on and
many people resumed their usual Saturday night activity. But regardless
of whether it’s considered a success or failure, this was an important
experiment. And it’s a symbolic act that all the people and
organizations in our social networks should listen to.

After all, if millions of urban dwellers care enough about the
planet to participate in Earth Hour, so should the businesses we deal
with and the governments that represent our interests. We need to let
them know and keep reminding them.

Turning off lights for an hour all over the world is a great place to start, but it isn’t where we want to end.

Take David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge and learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.