Today marks the publication of ‘The Art of Seeing’ by Claire Haigh. Don’t underestimate the challenge and fundamental importance of that title. If you’ve skimmed over it already I’d not be surprised because it’s part of our collective problem. We seem to have lost the art of truly seeing and in the process find ourselves in the predicament of the climate emergency we now face. And only by looking to find what we have lost can we restore hope.

If you’re inclined to take a look at this report please don’t attempt to gobble it up like fast food. You need to read carefully and really try to absorb what Claire is saying – try yourself to practice the art of seeing.

The opening statement is unequivocal: “Our world is fragmented, disordered and chaotic. We are out of alignment with ourselves and the environment on which we depend. Anthropogenic climate change has been allowed to grow like a cancer with the potential to destroy the world as we know it. This is where our best thinking has got us.”

And in the press release to accompany the report, Claire hits back at the scaling down of UK commitments on decarbonisation with the headline MESSAGE TO PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK: “TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF NET ZERO”.

Claire argues that climate policy should be supported by five pillars of unity. And remember, these are not fast food – read her words carefully and thoughtfully:

Pillar I – ‘A sacred unity of the biosphere’ – We need a radical realignment of how we perceive ourselves in relation to others and the environment on which we depend. This will require the creation of fairer and more equitable economic systems that allow both humans and the environment to thrive.

Pillar II – See the whole picture – we need greater honesty and transparency in decision-making, and to become more self-aware. Climate change exposes our tendency to see only what we want to see. Are the assumptions underpinning climate policies fit for purpose? What are we not seeing, or choosing not to see?

Pillar III – Integrate heart and mind – we need to engage our emotional brains in climate change. Rational scientific data loses out against a compelling emotional story that speaks to people’s values. The tendency to separate thoughts and feelings causes confusion and does not lead to good decision making.

Pillar IV – Heal the whole system – we need to address the root causes of climate change: our addiction to fossil fuels. Too much attention is given to treating symptoms and not enough to the system. We need a whole systems transition to net zero. Pricing properly for carbon is a fundamental building block.

Pillar V – Citizens of One World – we need to connect with our natural empathy and respect for each other and all living species. Climate change is a global intergenerational problem requiring unprecedented levels of cooperation.

And the report is brought to life by Claire’s own artwork. A wonderful human and fellow transport professional 💚