When leadership fails...

Now that our trip is becoming a reality, I find myself reading more and more about the countries that we will be traveling to. One strong theme that strikes me is the effect of leadership on people and nature. And the fact that everything is interconnected.

The picture above captures something about the impact of global warming and weather patterns on African communities. And how easy it is for the rest of the world to turn a blind eye. To continue living and consuming in ways that are not sustainable. Because they can.

And by 'they' I also mean 'we', and 'I'.

Are there global leaders who are capable and brave enough to lead the transformation of how we think about the future of our planet? Leaders who understand, and have empathy for, resistance to change? Are there leaders who can avoid the trap of splitting between nature and people as if these are separable polarities? We need global leaders who can challenge our beliefs and invite us to transform our thinking, being and doing in our worlds.

But the picture above also tells a story of leadership failure at the local level. Where communities are not working with the future in mind. Or not holding their leaders accountable. Or both.

When leadership fails, people and nature suffer. And who are those global and local leaders and followers who should make the difference? They are us.

I am grateful for being awakened by the dream of a cross-Africa bike trip to the disconcerting realities that we will encounter. And a bit nervous about actually experiencing it.

JC