Jane's Reasons for Hope

There are many signs of hope. Along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, for example, villagers are planting trees where all the trees had disappeared. Women are taking their lives into their own hands, crafting items that can be sold at the market, and obtaining scholarship funding to attend school. Children are also being taught about the dire effects of habitat destruction, about conservation and sustainable living.

My hope is based on four factors:

The Human Brain

My first reason for hope stems from our new-found understanding and knowledge of the problems that threaten us and the survival of life on earth as we know it. Surely, then, we can use our minds to find ways to live in harmony with nature. Indeed, millions of people worldwide are beginning to realise that each one of us has a responsibility to the environment and our descendants.
Our actions do matter. We make a difference.

The Determination of Young People

My second reason for hope lies in the tremendous energy, enthusiasm and commitment of a growing number of youth around the world. As they find out about the environmental and social problems that are now part of their heritage, they want to right those wrongs. They have a vested interest in this fight; it will be their world tomorrow. When young people are informed and empowered, when they realise that what they do truly makes a difference, they can change the world.
They are changing it already.

The Indomitable Human Spirit

My third reason for hope comes from the power to envision. So many people have set out on seemingly unattainable dreams - and, because of their resolve they have achieved their goals or blazed a path that others could follow. As I travel around the world I meet so many incredible and amazing human beings. They inspire me.
We inspire those around us.

The Resilience of Nature

My fourth reason for hope is nature's ability to regenerate itself. Having visited Nagasaki, site of the second atomic bomb that ended World War II, I was able to witness the power of nature. Scientists had predicted that nothing could grow there for at least 30 years. But, amazingly, greenery grew quite quickly. One sapling managed to survive the bombing and today it is a large tree; despite cracks, fissures and a black inside, the tree still sprouts leaves! I have seen such renewals time and again, including animal species brought back from the brink of extinction. I carry a leaf from the surviving sapling with me wherever I go. 

Let us have faith in our intellect, in ourselves, in our staunch spirit and our ability to progress. Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us replace impatience and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.
Let hope be our guide.