KIM V WALKER

There is no polite way to describe the most recent events of February 1, 2025 when a tornado of economic tariffs recently began to sweep across Canada.  However, with a few days of reprieve – from the economic warfare looming over us – I choose to shift my thoughts toward “Sustainability” in its fullest sense.

There is a Silver Lining – if we look to it

If all the scientific evidence, the melting glaciers and the fires of recent years haven’t convinced us, the imperative to continue walking the path of sustainability became a little more clear as our economic, social and even cultural security quickly came under threat.  It’s unfortunate… and sadly predictable that we need a crisis to realize what we value and must defend, as individuals and as members of our society.

Sustainability is a mindset that grows us in new directions, away from the dominant paradigm fuelled by fossils and propelled through imperialist ambitions. We’ve been living in transition for years. I wonder if (hope that) we are now approaching a tipping point with a critical mass of deep understanding in our collective conscience.

The Power of One

As an individual, I have value as a “Catalyst“. I realized today that I must look for that sliver of light and shift from feeling like a victim and a pawn to becoming an active agent of more caring, conscientious and sustainable practices.

With all the resources and advantages available to me —  if I can’t improve myself or effect change in those small areas within my control, who can?  And if I can, then another can too.  And another and another.  A sustainable mindset does not underestimate our cumulative power (of consumer choice, for example). It’s not easy. And it’s not a complete solution.  But our individual actions will add up.

The Power of Many

Building Resilience is a good place to start:  To live with purpose, creativity, and courage.  To be flexible and adaptable… and also versatile and capable of making bold, new changes. 

I know that I am resilient and I know others are too.  I continue to build resilience not only for my personal or family’s well-being but also for the well-being of my community and my country, for those who I have not met or may never meet, wherever they may live, now and in the future.

Valuing who We are as a society is critical: To stand up for what we believe is right and just. Values form the foundation of our culture and sustainability. I’m refering to Canadian culture in the context of recent events but also the culture of the citizen in a more sustainable world. The earth is small and intricately connected – ecologically, socially, economically, politically and culturally.

I’m reminded of the old saying, “Think globally, Act locally” not just in environmental terms but how it applies within our current political-economic context. There is a significant increase in interest among the Canadian public to support local services and products, securing food supplies closer to home, etc. The key point, is that supporting local is less about protectionism than it is about developing a less dependent, more diversified and more robust system. Looking across our regions and using our resources for our benefit, rather than across the border, is a huge shift in perspective.

More than the Sum

I am part of a big, messy, complex, interrelated system of social-environmental-economic-cultural networks.  And I am heartened to think there just might be a silver lining behind this big black cloud hanging over us.

We’re in this together!