There are many who do their part to conserve and protect our natural resources. I applaud those who take those steps. Each is doing their part to combat an enormous, progressive problem.
There are some who amplify those efforts by networking with other people of like mind. Our Estes Recycling team is a good example.
Some join organizations that are dedicated to protecting our world and improving our methods of doing so. Others see a potential future where humanity gets in gear to head off the forces that cause environmental damage.
Think of Nick Mollé’s gentle lessons, carried on by his family and the others at the Rocky Mountain Channel, in his final work “Stream of Conscience: The Colorado,” which had its world premiere on September 28 at the Historic Park Theatre.
Another parallel vision is offered by Mr. Will Spencer. I’m intrigued by his concepts. Will has worked with some high-level resources over the years, including President Carter and Congressman Andrew Young, as well as with an impressive list of global companies. He’s written several books, including “Evolve: The Journey to PACEM 2050” and “Political Will: Bending the Arc of History.”
His basic tenet is that we must accelerate awareness of the climate plight before it reaches a point of no return. Recognizing that America has remarkable ingenuity in technological solutions to substantial problems, Will believes that we need to bring about a broader “conscious evolution” that triggers the right actions to reverse the course of planetary degradation. In his books, Will offers a compelling case for this change.
Raising awareness of the issues is key for humankind to stop the damage and reverse the course. He emphasizes the existential need for a social response along the lines of creating a Sustainability Revolution, on the scale of the Industrial and Information Revolutions. (Part 3 of the latter is underway now with AI.)
Many Estesians recognize this human-caused dilemma but are unclear about what steps will take us forward in a macro way. I believe that we have many residents and citizens here with that heart and spirit to participate in a process that would get us there, although it must be broader than Estes Park.
We can call it mindfulness of and for Mother Earth. Will calls his project PACEM 2050, with a goal to have reversed course by that year. (That’s pronounced “pah-tchem ” by Will, it’s the Latin word for “peace”.)
The subtle beauty of his science-based approach is not just a way to address the social polarization that limits our consensus on solutions, but a way for humanity to culturally evolve in the time we have left. We know the ecological clock is ticking. Water availability has become a crisis and the rate of extinction of other species is accelerating.
His game plan is to engage those with a discontent for the status quo, the progressive damage to the planet’s resources and devastating changes to the climate. Will would also work to cultivate that discontent in others. Those various individuals then need to be connected. There needs to be a network, communication, bonds.
The organized, motivated parts of that union of mindful humanity would adjust economic and political systems to move in the proper directions to create solutions that stop the planetary downslide.
We already have many who are aware of the challenge; how then do we harness those together?
Will’s idea is ambitious. Is it doable? Certainly. Will conveys the vision in lucid fashion. But Will (like many of us) is getting older and the wheels need to begin to engage toward his PACEM 2050.
Perhaps Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, could be an incubating place for this idea. Instead of political and social drama, a grander approach could serve the cause of bringing in visitors but also creates great respect for the two Parks — Rocky and Estes. Those involved could be architects of the future, rather than being tethered to pronouncements of unsolvable climate crisis problems.
Mr. Spencer would need funding to build this momentum. If and as Will opens public forums to talk about this concept, I’d encourage listening and consideration of the ideals he advocates. Big changes can begin in small places.
If you’re interested in meeting with Will at a gathering of like minds, let me know. Garyhall2024@gmail.com works.
This may be an opportunity for Estesians to capture the spirit of participation or ownership with Will’s PACEM 2050. It’s a compelling concept, and I hope that Will can build momentum here and, eventually, beyond.
We love Estes and Rocky. Many of us have chosen to live here because, among other things, nature nurtures our souls. Now, humanity needs to heal the nature we love. The spirit of the mountains has always been renewal. Let Estes be a leader in the direction of solutions for our endangered resources and planet.