Hi,
Earlier this week, we published a collection of three short dispatches from the frontlines of our global wildfire emergency.
We call the series “postcards”, but its main focus, in my opinion, is solidarity. The series is meant to draw attention to what it’s like today on the frontlines of the climate emergency. By listening with intention to people with different experiences from you, it’s a chance to understand how similar we actually are. And in the case of wildfires, it’s easy to see how the events our authors describe in Chile, the Canary Islands, and Australia could happen almost anywhere to almost anyone.
Taken together, these three snapshots curated by my colleague Sabrina Argoub show a glimpse into an escalating new global reality – climate and ecological catastrophe – as the mainstream media focuses on the news of the day. They also show us a glimpse of another path, where we work together to create a new reality. This is how we learn how to build a better world: by listening to those who are already working to make it happen.
In Valparaíso, Chile, Jacinta Molina writes about a town that’s experienced repeat wildfire emergencies in urban areas that have been left without proper city services for too long. You’ll learn people already know what’s best for them if you ask.
In Gran Canaria, Spain, Matthew Hirtes writes about political fights in the capital thousands of miles away when local residents just want to be able to live in peace and safety. You’ll learn leaders should show empathy, not politics, during a disaster.
In Yorta Yorta Country, Australia, Neil Morris writes about trust in the wisdom of people who have practised techniques that could transform everything. You’ll learn that First Nations people have known for generations how to live with fire.
This is what good climate journalism does: it shows why we already know how to repair our planet and our society. There are millions more ideas like these three out there, and our job should be to amplify them. Knowing what stories to tell isn’t difficult if you listen.
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