As we have passed through the countryside of England and Holland it has been interesting to gauge the level of awareness amongst Joe Public. Would a mention of Copenhagen produce blank looks, or an immediate recognition?
Generally it seems that, as marketing professionals would say, the Copenhagen climate change conference enjoys good brand awareness. Most people know what we are talking about. A few examples:
The postman in Dedham not only knew all about Copenhagen, but was planning to do his bit by going to London for the climate change march on December 5th.
A couple of men working in woodland in Essex, thinning out the trees, referred to their wood as a “carbon sink”. It was interesting to find that carbon sinks are now almost as much a part of the English vocabulary as kitchen sinks.
A Dutch chiropractor who got talking with us outside the Spar supermarket in Nieuwe Tonge not only knew about Copenhagen but had his own ideas about what countries should be there and what they should say. He had some interesting things to say about American representation… before realizing that we had two Americans in our party who were listening to his every word.
By definition, the people who have stopped to engage with us have been more than averagely engaged and interested – their curiosity about us probably extends to their attitude to the world at large, so they probably read the serious newspapers and pay attention to what is going on in the world. But even so, it has been heartening to find the level of awareness of the issues, the vocabulary, and what needs to be done to address the problem.
But are people taking action? That is harder to gauge. This is a problem that I have pondered at length. My perception is that awareness and action are both on the rise, but I am also keenly aware that the people I encounter are a self-selecting sample of the more actively engaged. And I have not been in a position (yet) to gauge awareness and action in countries such as India, China and Brazil.
I am sure that much work still remains to be done. There is no time for complacency.
Other Stuff:
Thanks, all, for your lovely comments! I’ve had very intermittent email access (most blogs have been posted by my mother after very hasty turning on of data roaming for just long enough to send her an email via my iPhone – ridiculously expensive otherwise), but whenever I manage to pick up my emails I pass your messages on to the team – and we all appreciate them very much!
(This message originally posted as a comment, but now replicated here to make sure everybody sees it.)
Loads of photos now posted online at our Flickr account – PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR GALLERY!!!
Today was challenging – flat, featureless and windy. But thankfully the rain that poured down throughout the night gave us a break, and we walked in mostly dry conditions. Heads down, chins up, striding out! Now in Oude Tonge, staying at the Hotel Lely.
Here is my Google Map http://j.mp/RozHollandDay9 updated for today’s 16 mile trek from Goedereede to Hotel Lely in Oude Tonge
Roz, love the photo gallery! Do you recognize this Hotel Lely http://j.mp/RozHotelLely street scene at Kaai 16, Oude-Tonge? Google is amazing! I’m just having fun playing with this new toy ;-D Rest and heal your wounds and have a great Day 10.
Dear Lady Roz,
As you Orange Jackets continue to walk/run/march/slog/scramble/tip-toe/dance/and hike through Holland, here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I continue to vividly remember the very powerful – and horrendously difficult – question you asked our world during your May 15 The Climate Project presentation at the Nashville Summit . . . possibly the most powerful question that can be asked in this pre-Copenhagen world.
You asked, “So we have to ask ourselves, is our continued survival as a species something that we care about? Is it a strong enough reason for us to take the short-term pain to achieve the long-term gain?
Do we believe we are worth saving?”
Given the some 100+ days that you’ve spent rowing and reflecting alone in the Pacific, the 200 or so miles you’ll be musing, meeting, talking, sharing, thinking, and remembering as you traverse on foot the pathways to Brussels and by train on to Copenhagen, what are you thinking and feeling now as you approach perhaps the most important gathering in modern times, for whatever does – or does not – happen there? In answer to your own question of us all, are we behaving as though we think we are worth saving?
And will you share those thoughts, feelings, and observations with us TCP/Rozlings – and the world you
addressed in Nashville – once Copenhagen has become our history? Or perhaps our future?
No need to answer now. Though time is admittedly not on our side just now, is is at least still there. Just use it when you’re ready. After all, the pace through Holland to Copenhagen is your own. – Doug Stewart
Thanks for reminding me about Roz’s May 15 speech, Doug. It was a very powerful, moving message for me. For Rozlings who want to read it again — or did not see the original post — she posted it on RozSavage.com on May 18. Here’s a short link http://j.mp/RozsMessage (I found another new toy)
UncaDoug…thanks for continuing to sharing your “new toy”…nice addition to Roz’s blogs…makes it easy for us as we read along to see along with Roz…and again hope bodies and souls are holding up…Brussels is just over the horizon–a few more sleeps away!
Very many thanks to both ‘Dougs’ for mentioning and posting the link to Roz’s Climate Project speech, which I hadn’t heard/seen before. The question “is our continued survival as a species something that we care about?” is one that I’ve been pondering myself recently. The question bears repeating frequently as although people’s awareness of climate change is on the increase, this particular idea may not have crossed the ‘turn thought to action’ barrier just yet.
On a more prosaic note, I checked out the Marmot site today as I’m looking for a good jacket, and then wondered what you’ve all chosen to wear on your lower halves? A trip through the photo gallery reveals a mix of jeans and what-look-like waterproofs … anything else?
Keep going Roz and all the walkers, you’re doing a wonderful job and I hope that despite your mixed aches, pains, blisters and injuries you’re finding time to have some fun out there.
UncaDoug – great work! Took a look – and yes, it’s vaguely familiar, but picture it in the rain, under lowering grey skies!
Doug S – great question. Have noted and will blog when I’ve had time to ponder.
Caroline – I’m just wearing Berghaus trekking pants. They dry really fast (when given a chance) and I don’t like wearing waterproof trousers because I find them uncomfortably hot. Mary recommends her winter-weight Craghoppers, which are water resistant and windproof. She wears them over jeans, but she is slimmer than most so has plenty of room for layering!
ALOHA ROZ and WALKERS! Loving watching your progress! and,
the pics are GREAT! love the colors! and, your energy!
Keep up the good work! and, we are following in our hearts…
Carol in Oregon