I am very pessimistic about the development of Motovun, Istria, and Croatia as a whole, but I still cannot let things slide. And keep sliding. Green issues will become ever more important as years go by, and I must return in earnest to my political activities involving the Motovun branch of Green Party – Green Alternative, the oldest among political parties concerned with greenery on the peninsula. The branch is already in place, and we have already made some headway in the recent local elections, but much more remains to be done.

It is time to revisit our program in the context of the most important changes in climate that appear to be in store. Motovun and its surroundings will be getting dryer. Water will become ever scarcer. And storms will grow both in number and severity. All of this will affect not only agriculture, but also tourism. Vineyards, olive groves, and orchards can be supplied with additional water, albeit at a growing cost, and costly nets can be erected to shield them from hailstones, but tourists will in time start avoiding the scorched south. They will be heading north, where the weather will become ever more appealing. All this must be reflected in our program if it is to be of any palpable help.

The main problem we face is that of reaching those who are most likely to be affected by climate change. Few of them get around. Even fewer of them read anything of any complexity. By the time they start experiencing serious problems, it will be too late to address any of them adequately. The way things look at present, the best way to reach them is through the church. This I discussed with the parish priest earlier this year (“The Church to the Rescue,” April 27, 2009). He was most receptive to what I had to say, as well. He left Motovun a few months ago, though, and I have not yet been able to talk to the new priest about our program. But I am convinced the church is the best way to go, at least when green issues are concerned.