Humans are mad. There’s no question about it – as a species we are certifiably insane. When aliens jump in their UFOs for a joy ride, I’m sure they swing by Earth, just to have a laugh at the crazy antics of the dominant species… or perhaps they discuss our self destruction with horrified bemusement.
“ 6 billion of them and they’re still breeding out of control: consuming resources like there’s no tomorrow and poisoning their one and only planet. They’re facing huge catastrophic changes in their climate and are they trying to prevent it? Are they preparing for the disaster? No! They’re still arguing about whether it’s actually happening or not and they’ll keep arguing until it’s too late to do anything. The weight of evidence is overwhelming but huge and powerful vested interests like the oil companies keep sowing doubt and confusion. They’d rather protect their present profits than the future of their children.”
A second alien responds. “You think that’s crazy, look at the way they spend trillions of dollars on war and weapons. Instead of fixing the injustices that cause conflict they wreck their economies fighting wars that didn’t need to be fought. And the craziest thing is that most of them don’t want war. They want to live peacefully, raise their families, make a decent living, celebrate with their friends. But their leaders love power and money more than they love their people. They call their species homo sapiens – wise men – but if they were really wise they’d make the leaders do all the fighting while the people stay at home and watch it on television.”
A third alien, perhaps not the brightest of the bunch, chips in. “And then there’s smoking. That’s crazy – millions of humans puffing away on a product that’s poisonous, addictive, expensive and undoubtedly causes disease and death. Any other product that was so obviously harmful would be banned but cigarettes can still be sold because governments are making so much tax revenue.”
“Well that’s true,” replies our first alien, somewhat dismissively. “But it’s hardly on the same scale as climate change and warfare.”
But number three is undeterred. “All right then what about cars… they’re crazy. Humans whizzing round in big, noisy metal machines, much faster and more powerful than they need to be. Burning up irreplaceable fuels, pouring out pollution and killing themselves at a faster rate than wars and natural disasters combined.
And what about food? About a quarter of those humans eat so much they develop all manner of diseases and have to pay big money to try and lose weight…. while about half of them don’t have enough decent food or safe water for their families so they have to watch their kids growing up weak and stunted, not healthy and lively as they should be.”
The second alien shakes his head sadly. “You’re right of course. We’re all right. But have you seen any sign of hope, any sort of answer?”
“Well”, replies the first alien thoughtfully, “there are lots of outstanding organizations working for peace and justice… like TEAR Fund NZ… doing their best to save the environment and all the endangered species, including humans…”
(You may think this is a blatant and unlikely plug for our NGO but I feel it was very gracious of alien one to notice and comment on our work)
“The bicycle!” alien three interrupts. “That’s the answer!”
“The bicycle???” the other two ask in unison and puzzlement.
“The bicycle. It’s a wonderfully efficient form of transport, quick, quiet and pollution free. It’s safe – or would be if it wasn’t for all those crazy motorists. The humans who ride bicycles are fitter and healthier. They work more effectively. They don’t pollute as much and are more peace loving. If every human rode bicycles there would be no need to burn fossil fuels and no need go to war over oil. The oil companies would lose their power, the whole planet would be less polluted and more peaceful. That’s the answer for the problems of the human race – they should all ride bikes (or trikes for the young, the old and the handicapped). “
Amazed at this gem of insight the other two aliens can only nod their agreement. And there you have it. In a world gone mad the humble bicycle offers a shining ray of hope and sanity.
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Another brilliantly written blog, Drew! They are always a pleasure to read!
This is sublime! I am about to go away for a few months to teach in a foreign countrya and wanted to dedicate a few lessons to climate change, environmental issues, carbon emission etc but was a bit stuck as to how to make it interesting for the kids. I think weaving in a story with a simple moral message and answer would be ideal! hope you don’t mind if I steala few ideas…
Hi William,
Whilst I can’t speak for Drew, the author, I do run this site so am glad the article is able to be of help. Feel free to steal away
Let us know what you do and how you get on with it. We’d be interested to hear about your experiences.
Will do Frank, thanks very much. If Drew has any reservations let me know! If not then I will get back to you in a while..
I have no reservations whatsoever. I’m always pleased (and slightly surprised) when people read my stuff and delighted if they want to use/propagate it in any way. Thanks for the kind comments.