As a political scientist, I have spent 4 years studying about perception and power. And two of the most hotly debated perceptions are that of Idealism vs Realism.

Realists profuse that they see the world as it is, in tangible realities, in circumstances that have quantitative results. Idealists, perceive the worlds potential, what it has yet to become, but has the capabilities to be should the right set of circumstances prevail.

When it comes the environment, we seem to have mixed up these definitions, and therefore come to a standstill on how to proceed. So I would like to spend some time listing some of the idealist and realist notions of the world we live in.

Realism

As mentioned about, the world we live in accord to tangible facts and observable results sees that anthropomorphic climate change is the leading cause of our problem. In other words, of all the bickering we seem to be doing about whether cows produce more green house gases (GHG) or the automobile industry, whether air travel or pet food is worse on the environment. The fine line that is un-debatable is that everything is a result of human activity on earth. With rising populations and rising affluence, the inherent demand for environmentally unfriendly consumptions rise. In the same world, with limited resources, we are seeing a hastening decline of materials output.

In our dogmatic faith in modern technology we are corrupting the one technology that has lasted the longest! Mother nature’s life cycle and bio-sphere. Single crop industrial farms may feed a few now, but in 10 years when the land is no longer arable, it will be no better than a desert. Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, the thing that was hailed as a solution to world hunger in the 60′s is now killing people, entire species of fish and marine life and creating dead zones in our oceans where no life can grow.

We have mutated our vegetables and fruits to be fit for air travel, but unfit for a proper balanced diet. We have pumped hormones into animals which has resulted in a steady rise in obesity in humans.

Our urban centers which are hubs of the new world, the fashion zeitgeist model of globalization and the desire of all 3rd world peasants who can no longer compete economically with industrial farmers. People want to live in cities, but from a realist lens, people are saying that they want to live in conditions of dense living, breath toxic air from mostly burning coal, gas and petrol, live in conditions where social status is now defined by your online savvyness and ability to speak english. Yet we claim our idealist friends fancy the country house, with wide open spaces, animals, clear skies and a nice breeze.

Idealism

Idealists see the world as it should be, what it has the potential to become given the right set of conditions to achieve it, and it is our job to set those structures up. It is idealistic that our educational institutions train people to believe that growth is indefinitely achievable, and that the existences of business and free markets can only operate under these ideal situations. It is idealistic to believe that if only we start recycling our pop cans and paper, that we can some how fix the worlds problems and therefore carry on our consumptive live styles with a business as usual attitude.

Many believe it is impossible to just give up our petrol based life styles where cars and accessibility and leisure take priority, this is an idealistic perception, because in a matter of 20 years we built the infrastructure for the worlds largest cross communication platform called the internet. No, it does not take long to shift our behaviours given the same excitement, opportunity and unified direction as that of the internet boom. Corporate lobby groups would have you believe differently, but that is the idealism we are talking about.

Now the thing about idealism that realism lacks is vision. Vision of a future that is better and more prosperous than the one we are in currently. So if our vision of the world is this misguided direction based on false notions, then we can only meet our end as so many fear mongers are instilling in our hearts.

However, if we can accept the realist stance of the world we live in, and form a new vision of the world, one where 1000s are already waking up to on a daily basis, and who are saying “we need to do more than just recycle”. Then the ingenuity and human spirit that makes us an incredibly gifted species will overcome some of the hardest challenges we as a species have ever fought in the years to come.

In addition to the stories shared through my experience, I will be adding a few features to this blog, like more articles and resources on sustainaibility, cutting edge discussions and thoughts for us as we move into an exciting, albeit challenging, year ahead.

Also, keep checking back because Matthias and I have been hard at work at launching the new DAMU website coming soon! It is going to be an exciting 2009!

Here are the results:

As I return to to the cold Canadian climate, I do so with a lot of experience and networks under my belt.

In the coming weeks you will find a new site up and running, devoted more to my personal journey in sustainability.

Keep checking back as more photo albums, articles and results will be posted.

Have a happy new year!

Two years later, im wearing Salwar Kamize on a weekly basis, and feeling more than at home with myself in Karachi. However, today is my last day at home. Ive cleaned out my room, said my goodbyes and see you laters and packed my bags: i'm ready to go.

Now Airports are one of those places where people come and go, it creates a finality in our minds, a certain closure about leaving. Maybe its because after the short journey you find yourself in a completely different environment. Well this time I am doing things differently. I'm the first to leave Karachi by train. The slow gradual 23 hour long train ride gave me lots to reflect on, and much to be excited about for my journey ahead. There is something culturally romantic about leaving on a train in Pakistan, it sort of becomes a symbol of my journey and represents the non-closure of my experience – the fact that I will take with me everything I have learnt, loved and experienced along the way. It has prepared me more than ever for my journey into Asia.

I miss you all Karachi, your magic, your fast rhythm dance, your ever surprising days, and your ability to overcome any obstacle that is presented to you. I'll be back. Indeed, I will always be back to visit home.