Possibilism & Positivism in a New Political Era

The climate is changing—both physically, and in case you hadn’t noticed, politically. However you voted, you are likely among those who now sense a considerable uncertainty about how things will unfold with the new administration. We would do well to recognize the disenchantment and concerns that pervaded the campaign—over the economy, our health system, our social order, and the ability of government to effect meaningful change. We would do well to hope for the best and redouble efforts to ensure that changes enacted are sustainable and fair for all.

The power of local food: For those of us working to promote local sustainable food, we see the power of healthy local food systems to address health, social justice, local economies, and meaningful public engagement—issues central to the recent presidential campaign. In that sense our work is as important as ever.

What was curiously absent in the campaign was any significant attention to climate change, even though we know it is one of the greatest threats facing us, and that immediate action is needed to avoid irreversible and potentially catastrophic impacts on our world. Biodiversity—I didn’t hear it mentioned once. In spite of inattention to these two critical issues, we remain committed to using the power of the local food movement to address both climate, and biodiversity.

Possibilism and surprises: I admit to being obsessed the last 27 days trying to catch a glimpse of where we are going as a nation. All I have so far are glimpses, profound concerns, and possibilities. As I have mentioned before, I subscribe to the concept of “possibilism” to maintain some sense of sanity—that good outcomes are possible, and therefore we have an obligation to try, to stay engaged. We just may be surprised.

Surprises trend both ways, good and bad. It seems that scientists are repeatedly surprised as glaciers and Arctic sea ice melt faster and faster. My sense is that actually keeping our global warming to 2 degrees C or below would be a surprise—a wonderful one. On the other hand, increasingly competitive solar and wind may edge out fossil fuels even without government assistance. Political will just might move toward a carbon tax, regenerative agriculture, and fairness toward all people, creatures, and the earth. As many people, I swing between pessimism and optimism, but having even the possibility of good outcomes is what keeps me going.

Positivism: To temper those inevitable swings between optimism and pessimism, I find that a deliberate effort to see the good, the positive, and the hopeful helps. We need to be able to see the problems facing us at the same time as we see the wonders to be enjoyed and protected. My favorite example is visiting the Everglades with our daughter in South Florida and knowing that the biodiversity has been cruelly trampled, but reveling in the abundance of birds, reptiles, and amazing ecosystems—much remaining to be enjoyed and protected.

Even better, we can combine learning about the world around us (including the problems), enjoying that interaction, and contributing to solutions. Citizen Scientists do just that, contributing to scientists their observations of pollinators, weather, blossoming times, and all sorts of birds, bats, bees, and bugs. This is relevant in gardens, farms, ranches, and the surrounding ecosystems that make up our local foodsheds. Observing the natural world, in the wild and in the backyard, is therapy in itself. Combining this with reporting these observations to help scientists develop new solutions makes it even more meaningful. Combining this with growing as much of your own food as possible—now we are getting somewhere!