Avoiding “Used to Be”

To truly win at making our nation’s historic light stations more resilient in the face of climate weather impacts, we need to be where there has been great loss. Where a path forward may be indiscernible.

Only at these imperiled light stations can we gain a true understanding of the length and breadth of the climate challenges pressing upon them, as well as the heavy preservation, operational and emotional burden that many lighthouse stewards are simultaneously shouldering.

Presently, there may be light stations where there is little to no hope – where the illusion of failure seems inevitable. This is where we need to be. To be a light. Not to show that we have all the answers, because truth be told, we do not.

Rather, we need to show that we care, and let the lighthouse stewards know that they are not alone in this zero-sum battle for sustainability. Yet care cannot be in the form of words only.

To truly demonstrate care, we must see the depth of the challenges for what they are – feel them to our core, and strive to produce practical solutions for others. We cannot be a “light in the storm” unless we ourselves are in the trenches…working side by side with our fellow “keepers.”

Through resolute devotion, we need to help lighthouse stewards pick up the pieces and put them back together – smarter and stronger. And we must help establish a foundation for them to build upon, while there is still time.

In order to do this, we actually need pressure, discomfort – even a bit of failure from time to time. Why? Because history and experience teach us that people generally will not be prompted to adopt change until what is familiar and/or comfortable, is no longer an option that can be maintained.

Therefore, let us continue to incorporate a sense of urgency, forward thinking and innovation into our climate adaptation efforts. Together, we can pull tomorrow into today by evolving and being better – every day.

With patience and tenacity, America’s light stations can – and will, become more resilient. For the three words we all want to avoid when it comes to preserving our lighthouse resources are… “Used to be.”