The United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow this weekend. Climate Change is a serious issue. It's been on my mind a lot the last few years. I'm worried about the world that we are passing on to our children, to my daughters. I'm seriously thinking about I can get involved in making change.

The theme of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast for the past couple of years was “Defend the Earth”. I have yet to figure out how to do that.

But I was listening to an Akimbo podcast episode by Seth Godin called “The River of Time”. It came out on July 14, 2021. Subscribe and download. I highly recommend it.

Seth talks about what “freedom” truly is. He uses the Hudson River as an example. It has been used many ways over the years. Some gathered oysters. Some dumped sewage. Some speed down the river at midnight on a loud jet ski. Some bought land on both sides and stopped river traffic. Some built ferries. Some just enjoy the peace and quiet of a beautiful river.

What should be allowed? What should not?

Seth asks a LOT of questions. He provides no answers.

The episode made me realize something. Perhaps I'm thinking I'm approaching “Defend the Earth” wrong. Maybe that's the reason I'm having so many problems promoting that. Maybe I should step back and asking questions. Start a conversation.

That's how Seth Godin wraps up the episode. The point isn't to come up with a grand solution. The point is to talk about it and determine how we can make changes… together.

The science is solid. Human-made climate change is happening. We might not be able to “fix it” individually. But if each of us does our individual part, if we work together, we can make a difference. We can make change happen.

For years now, I've thought about the environmental impact of what I do as a musician. I love technology for that reason. You can now listen to my music, basically for free, through streaming platforms.

Yes. I don't get paid from those services. But my music can be heard and enjoyed.

You can watch my shows virtually. Plus, you can support my music on Patreon.

It's all environmentally friendly.

I also recycle broken autoharp strings into jewelry.

Is that the future of the music industry? Is that the future of my business?

Or is there another way to promote my music and still make a living without causing further harm to our climate?

Again, questions. Instead of trying to find the answer, I need to keep asking questions. Perhaps you will provide an answer. Or perhaps you'll come up with a new question, which is Just As Valuable.

Because the more questions we ask, the sooner we will be able find an answer.