It's November again. The end of the year is getting closer, and secretly my thoughts are already turning towards Christmas and the holidays. Some rest, and the chance to do absolutely nothing at all. Because in November, that rest was hard to find.

It turned out to be a turbulent month, a lot happened. November, for example, was another new month of conflict. It was a month that once again clearly showed how much we are losing touch with each other. Perhaps I'm looking at it too pessimistically, but there seems to be increasing polarization (at least in the media). With two or more camps clashing against each other, and rhetoric leaving no room for any party that doesn't endorse their own worldview. Elections in America, but also the events in our own capital and everything that emerged from them, confirmed that picture again this month. A worrying picture. Partly because history (and our field) teaches us that it is not the dynamic of winning and losing that builds long-term successful relationships. But rather further widens the gap between parties.

For me, it mainly indicates that there's work to be done. Work for us, as environmental professionals, to provide that connection. To ensure that parties are not forgotten, to ensure a careful dialogue. To ensure that others' pain is seen and acknowledged. That people listen to each other. That we work on dialogue tables that accommodate all interests and actively seek added value. Instead of finding ways to sideline the other party.

It does make me feel good to see that I’m not the only one. That both community professionals and other people are stepping up. People who are actively trying to build connections. People who are trying to offer practical solutions. And in doing so, they’re showing that there’s another way. Take, for example, Sara Cobb’s account in the article on the State of Conflict. Or the AARC principles, by Merrick Hoben (which you can listen to in the podcast episode featuring Marc Wesselink). Let’s embrace and support these people, and help amplify their voices. Because we still have plenty of challenges ahead of us. And only together can we handle them.

There's work to be done.

Senior consultant

Jeroen Medema