VANCOUVER SUN: “We really need to move beyond shock and yawn” (op-ed published in November 2017)
NOTE TO READER:
On November 4, 2017 the Vancouver Sun newspaper published an opinion piece co-authored by Kim Stephens, Michael Blackstock, Bob McDonald and Eric Bonham. The article foreshadowed aspects of what would be addressed at the Blue Ecology Workshop on November 28, 2017.
Kim Stephens is the executive-director of Partnership for Water Sustainability in B.C.; Bob McDonald is the national science commentator for CBC Television; Michael Blackstock is an independent scholar of European and Gitxsan descent; Eric Bonham is a former director in two B.C. ministries, environment and municipal affairs.
We really need to move beyond ‘shock and yawn’
“Flood, drought, fire, wind and cold – consider the extremes that British Columbia has experienced in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Instabilities in the water cycle are increasingly apparent. Droughts and wildfires will shape our future. To make the right choices moving forward, decision-makers at all levels and scales must understand how and where the rhythms of water are changing,” stated Kim Stephens.
“Yet the real issue is public engagement. If communities are to adapt, and be quick about it, we must move beyond ‘shock and yawn’. In the face of change, individuals will be motivated to take action only if the climate message offers hope,” added Bob McDonald.
“Hydrologists and water managers can help build a brighter future by rediscovering the meaning of water, and interweaving the predominant Western analytical models with the more intuitive indigenous models. Blue Ecology’s philosophy is meant to be the bridge between these two cultural ways of knowing,” continued Michael Blackstock.
“The authors share a positive vision of the future: water managers would embrace the Blue Ecology water cycle, communities would become more water-resilient, and British Columbians would successfully adapt to a changing climate,” concluded Eric Bonham.
TO LEARN MORE:
To read the entire Op-Ed, click on Opinion: We really must move beyond ‘shock and yawn’ to download a PDF copy of the online version.
BLUE ECOLOGY: Blending First Nations spirituality with Western water balance science
An Inter-Generational Water Ethic
“The water story that evolves from this partnership must be simple to understand, yet inclusive and firmly grounded in reality, embracing both science and spiritual values in equal measure,” emphasizes Eric Bonham.
“This quantum leap calls for a commitment that advances water security understanding beyond its present limitation. In effect the status quo approach is no longer effective. As former United States Vice-President Al Gore observed:
“In essence the call is for an attitude change and a compelling story towards the acceptance of an inter-generational water ethic that is supported through the inclusion and engagement of participants with diverse backgrounds and talents including scientists, First Nation leaders, scholars, community stewards, artists, musicians, politicians, youth and seniors alike.
“Each is part of something bigger, for the community we belong to is all of life. However, it all starts with a conversation which is the purpose of the Blue Ecology workshop, with its overarching theme of interweaving First Nations cultural knowledge and Western Science,” concludes Eric Bonham.
To learn more about the Blue Ecology Workshop
for a program overview, download a copy of “Blue Ecology – interweaving First Nations cultural knowledge and Western science”.
