Centuries ago, before trains, automobiles, airplanes, tanks or other armored vehicles, ships took a major position in international trade, exploration and the security of a country.
The choice of a captain who would guide the ship was not taken lightly. It took great skill in reading the sky to choose whether to venture out in the sea in a light storm or wait another day or two. The captain had to have the respect of the crew so they would follow his orders even if they did not agree with his decisions. At a time when some of the population believed the world was flat the captain had to have total respect from his crew to avoid mutiny when he decided to sail off in search of another route to a country or continent. In times of battle the crew had to have unswaying confidence in the captain’s decisions.
Most of us over 50 will admit that we are witnessing more and faster changes since February 2020 than we have in the 50 years previous. The entire fossil fuel industry that has developed during the previous 100 years has suddenly been declared bad for the future of our planet. Since the burning of it decreased drastically when COVID-19 almost completely shut down cars, trucks, trains, ships and airplanes resulting in a surprisingly fast recovery of our clean air and a reduction in smog.
Half of our world’s employees in companies and even governments discovered that they could work more efficiently from home by computer. This resulted in many empty offices in the typical city atmosphere. Some employers discovered that they could be more efficient without some of their employees.
Both governments and businesses agree that this war against COVID-19 must be won as quickly as possible to allow the population to get back to work and reduce the public reliance on government support money. A small percentage of the world’s population still believe that the COVID-19 virus will just mysteriously disappear but our scientists and disease specialists disagree.
Scientists and most of the world’s population agree that after defeating COVID-19 the most pressing project in our world is to stop and reverse climate change. Canada’s farmers are now being guided by soil scientists to start this recovery by reducing our carbon footprint. Several programs have already been started and many more will soon follow to reduce the need for chemical fertilizer and chemical sprays.
Increasing the use of fall cover crops to reduce the amount of bare ground going into the winter and spring alone will increase the water holding capacity of the soil, reduce flooding, reduce wind erosion and increase the life in the soil of very small organisms. The more scientific use of pasture and crop rotation will also improve carbon capture in soils. Financial assistance to help pay for professional guidance from soil specialists will encourage farmers and farm groups to adopt some of these practices to improve our planet.
Man has known for decades that most of our diseases and health problems are caused by what we eat. Education of our public about which foods are healthy and those that are linked to health problems are paramount to reducing our reliance on drugs and costs of our health care system. This will take true strength and commitment of our political leaders who are bombarded by paid lobbyists who are there to protect the profits of their employers.
It seems like every few months, we are faced with another federal, provincial or municipal election. We must listen to what important subjects that they are addressing, ask some very pointed questions about what they are committed to and don’t listen to “our program is the best,” which tells you nothing.
Just as a century ago, the captain of the ship was chosen to protect his crew and the country that hired him. The people that we are asked to elect today are responsible for the survival and health of us, our children and grandchildren and even the future of the planet that we walk on. Choose wisely.
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations.
gladcrest@gmail.com
