Remember
the Butterflies
“According
to Monarch Watch, the number of monarch [butterflies] that overwinter
in the oyamel forests of Mexico declined by nearly 60% this year,
representing the smallest estimated monarch population since
scientists began tracking these winter colonies in 1975.”
support.edf.org
I
am reading Barbara Kingsolver's book, Flight Behavior; a great
novel about the monarch butterflies and their plight. It's
fascinating to look at one species and see how it changes in relation
to human migration and global warming. We seem to be toxic to most
wildlife, especially when they get crosswise of political will. Most
of the theories about why the population of monarchs is being
decimated have to do with the warming of the planet; their winter
grounds have become too warm, and they require the cold dormancy of
winter to make it until the next season's milkweed. Warming has also
allowed a certain kind of parasite to flourish on the bodies and in
the wings of monarchs that slows them down, so they can't fly the
same distances that they once did. Also, the great storms and west
coast wildfires have taken their toll, not to mention herbicides and
pesticides. While people with power fight about whether or not global
warming is a fact, we are losing whole species.
I
don't know what it is about humans that we can't pull together and
work cooperatively to solve our problems, why we let money, animosity
and fear rule, but the world will be a poorer place without the
beauty of butterflies. I also don't know why we allow politicians,
whose only commitment is to self-interest, make decisions that affect
us all. It's a sad situation. I have been happy to see the
demonstrations at this week's climate summit in New York; of people
demanding they DO SOMETHING rather than simply talk and argue. I know
it's messy for New Yorkers, it snarls traffic and inconveniences
them, but the people in the street are just as important as those
esteemed leaders inside the meeting. They have the passion for change
that is so lacking in politicians everywhere.
I
don't mean to be on a tirade this morning, but the world's soul is
crying out for mercy. Someone has to listen.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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