Animals waiting for us...

Last Tuesday the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the "American Clean Energy and Security Act". Which might seem like cause to rejoice, but according to a coalition of 15 environmental groups, the process was co-opted by oil and coal lobbyists. The loopholes in the bill will actually encourage and promote further degradation of the planet and accelerate the process of climate change. (For more info go here: http://tinyurl.com/l7sx3p)

So my question becomes: how do I convey the urgency of our situation without spooking people into a paralysis of fear or hopelessness?

Part of an answer came to me this morning in this poem:

Animal Saviours

What will happen
when you meet your animal guide -
wise companion, bright guardian,
anchor to the land, initiator of your
earth-dwelling rites..... More
than you bargained or asked for?
They want to save you, bless you into
saving the earth. It seems obvious -
we all need a place to live on.
I know, it's so hard to change
a life that fits so well... but
the change has begun without you,
is already gathering speed and by the time
you can no longer continue in the life
you know and love, it will be too late
to stop the train of derailment. You're needed
now. Prophet, visionary or not - crisis
is upon us. Let these gentle animal-ones
carry you through the dark.
We will stand together, pointing ourselves
towards that distant flicker of light.

Gyllian Davies 05.31.09

What's your strategy for keeping yourself connected to joy in a world threatened by climate change?