Ruminations on your responsibilities and climate change

Aweh, My Dearly Beloved Fellow Ruminants & Groupies

So, let’s talk about responsibility. What are you really responsible for? And why should you even care? Responsibility is one of those words we throw around, but it’s slippery—one minute you think you’ve got a handle on it, the next, you’re overwhelmed by how much there is to be responsible for.

So, what does being responsible even mean? Basically, it’s about having a duty to deal with something, or being accountable for your actions. But let’s be real—how much can any of us really handle? Where do you draw the line?

Let’s start with something simple: our Labrador, Bailey. Now, Bailey’s responsibilities are pretty basic—eat as much as possible, as fast as possible, steal food, if possible, bark at strangers, and always throw in a wag of the tail. She’s not worrying about the war in Gaza or climate change (although I’m sure her methane emissions don’t help). Her life is simple. She’s not responsible for anything beyond her immediate world.

But what about us? Humans. Our responsibilities are heavier. At least, they should be, right?

500 years ago, it was different. You didn’t know about wars or crises happening halfway around the world. If you lived in England, you had no idea what was happening in China. And even if you did, would you feel responsible? Probably not. You couldn’t affect it, so why should you care?

Fast forward to today. News about atrocities in Gaza or wildfires in the Amazon hits your phone in real-time. It’s right in front of you, and ignoring it feels almost impossible. Skirmishes erupt between Jewish and Muslim children on playgrounds in South Africa. Children are held responsible for what some of their ethnic group does on the other side of the world. Parents aren’t always helpful.

In this age of instant communication and social media misinformation and hatred travels at the speed of light. In 1946 there were people in Germany and Poland who said, “We didn’t know”. Today no one can say they didn’t know, you can only say you didn’t want to know. Modern access to information means no one can claim ignorance about significant global issues.

Some people think the solution is censorship—moderate the content we see and reduce the noise. I’m not convinced. Cancelling or censoring doesn’t solve the problem; it just hides it. The answer is thoughtful engagement, conversations with people you don’t agree with, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Does proximity make you more responsible? Are you more responsible for climate change if you’re in a country that contributes more carbon emissions? Are Jewish or Muslim kids here in South Africa responsible for what’s happening in Gaza just because of their ethnicity?

I have been going to the same old-fashioned barber shop for more than three decades. There are those who say that personal grooming is not my finest attribute and that I could benefit from a more expensive haircut. They are probably right. As my hair grows more unruly, I get instructed to get a haircut.  This barber shop is a melting pot of nationalities and refugees. So, I talk to them. Recently I got my hair cut by a young Gazan refugee who fled with his family to South Africa. As he tells me his story, I just listen quietly not offering much other than some sympathy. I felt guilty and gave him a generous tip. Was he responsible for the war in Gaza when he was living there? Is he now less responsible because he is living far away in South Africa?

I offer sympathy to all victims of war irrespective of which side they are on be they Ukrainian or Russian or any other nationality or ethnic group.

Think of responsibility like an onion. At the centre, you’re responsible for yourself. Then, your family, your friends, your community, your country, and eventually, the world. But here’s the catch—if you take on the whole onion at once, you’ll burn out. You’ll break. Trust me, I’ve tried. And it’s not pretty. So, where do you draw the line? How much are you really responsible for?

Dearly beloved readers that’s for you to decide. It’s personal. For me, I know I’m not responsible for the whole onion, but the lines are fuzzy. I can’t just turn a blind eye, but I also can’t take on the weight of the world. Can you? Should you?

Finally, this brings me to climate change. Who is responsible for that? We all are. The wealthier you are and the more you consume the more responsible you are. I am more responsible than most. Two long-haul flights and several local flights this year just to get started. I’m sure some of you are worse than me. Do I take comfort in that? Of course not.

None of this is simple. We’re allowed to feel unsure about where our responsibilities begin and end. It’s complex, and that’s the reality we live in. All I can offer is this: don’t try to carry the whole burden. But don’t run from it either. Find your balance. Do what you can. And if it gets too much, maybe it’s time to talk to a good psychiatrist. You’re going to need one if you take on the whole onion. Trust me on that.

So, what do you think, fellow ruminants? Are you responsible for the world? Or just your little slice of it? And how do you deal with that weight? I’m genuinely interested to hear your thoughts. Maybe you can help me figure out this whole responsibility thing. I’m not sure I ever will.

Thanks for all the love, comments, and recommendations. Keep them coming.

Regards

Bruce