A timely reminder that, in the heart of a blazing forest, as flames crackle and smoke fills the air, a remarkable scene unfolds. Amid the chaos, while many animals flee from the fire, a little hummingbird takes action. This tiny creature, undeterred by its size, diligently carries drops of water from the river back to the inferno, doing its utmost to extinguish the flames. When questioned by the larger animals, including the mighty elephant—symbolising strength and power—the hummingbird simply replies, "I'm doing the best I can."
This beautiful Kenyan fable, shared by the inspiring Professor Wangari Maathai, reminds us of the importance of individual efforts in the face of overwhelming challenges, such as climate change. The elephant in this story, representing figures like 'Trump' or large societal issues, serves as a reminder that while some may be seen as having the capacity to make a significant impact, it’s the collective efforts of even the smallest among us that can lead to meaningful change. While climate deniers challenge and ignore the science, the image above shows simply and factually the change in annual global temperatures. Keep spreading the facts and belief will grow.
As a community of hummingbirds, we are often faced with the daunting reality of environmental degradation and climate crises. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of the challenges we face. The elephant—be it in the form of political leaders, corporate giants, or societal norms—might seem to overshadow our contributions. Yet, just like the hummingbird, we must recognise that our small actions matter and be positive.
Each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving water, advocating for sustainable practices, or simply spreading awareness, our collective efforts can create ripples of change. The hummingbird teaches us that persistence and commitment to our cause, no matter how daunting it may seem, can inspire others to join in.
This weekend a relatively small team of hummingbirds from The Lot Climate Café, organised a Clothing Sale in Duravel, a commune in SW France. There are so many tasks and benefits from this event -
collecting, sorting and displaying second-hand clothes for re-sale and re-use
publicising the event locally
supporting two local charities with a half share of over €1000 raised, as well as with surplus clothes
providing tea, coffee and cakes during the event
running a Tombola and clearing up after the event
spreading the word about who we are and what we do.
So, let’s encourage one another to embrace our roles as hummingbirds in a world filled with elephants. Let’s take action in our own unique ways, celebrate our contributions, and support each other in our shared mission. By uniting our voices and efforts, we can tackle the pressing issues of our time and contribute to a healthier planet.
In conclusion, let’s remember the lesson from the forest fire: every drop counts. Let’s be like the hummingbird, doing the best we can, and together, we can make a deeper impact. The journey may be long, but with determination and a sense of community, we can overcome even the biggest of challenges and 'be the change'.
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