Doom, Gloom, and more Doom

Often, those of us that are working towards sustainable futures are aware of, if not driven by, climate anxiety.  We are inundated with stories and images that present a deeply unsettled world, one that moves faster than we can comprehend. This is especially true when it comes to the changing climate. Many books and articles characterize climate change as an unstoppable force that is hurtling toward impending ecological collapse. While these writings are usually, at their core, impassioned calls to action, their portrayal of climate change can leave the reader feeling hopeless. What, if anything, can we do about this force that seems to be outside of our control?  

A Shift in Perspective

If you are like me, then all of this can be a bit overwhelming. The notion that human beings have the power to drive climate change, but seemingly don’t have the power to stop it, is immobilizing. I find that when I get caught in this feeling – which I often do – I need to think about the issue from a larger perspective, one that is not bounded by the limits of my own narrow experience.

We’re not alone!

The Earth is resilient, and its resistance operates on a geological time-scale that is far greater than our life spans. Human activity continues to upset balances in the environment, but the planet responds in kind, always working to restore that balance. My faith in the planet’s resilience comes not only from research, but also the work of artists who shift our attention away from our own actions and toward the Earth’s.

Earth Sound Project

John Bullitt is a composer that captures the sounds of the planet’s seismic activity using geophones, a microphone that converts ground movement into sound. His website (www.earthsound.earth) presents these sounds in a near-real-time audio stream that can be listened to anytime and is available for public use. 

This near-real-time audio stream originates from a seismometer at Casey, Antarctica (GSN station CASY). https://www.earthsound.earth/content/Stream.html?id=casy

Earth Sound is a deep breath, a glimpse into the seismic energy that drives the planet. Listening to these sounds reminds me of the immensity of the Earth, and it gives me a moment to reflect on the divide between how change plays out in human terms and in geological terms. I encourage you to find a quiet spot and listen for a few moments (https://www.earthsound.earth/content/Stream.html?id=casy).

Art doesn’t predict environmental outcomes or provide solutions to the complicated problems we all face. But in a time where we are constantly confronted with the rapid changes of climate and society, environmental art can bring us closer to the planet and remind us of the beauty of our coexistence. This perspective shift does more than just help us sleep at night; it renews our commitment to the environmental issues we care about. I find the work of artists like John Bullitt to be a continual source of strength as I work towards a sustainable future.

~Listen closely, the Earth is speaking~
Charlie