Six years ago, I pinpointed an individual (Michael Phelps) who accomplished an extraordinary feat by securing 28 Olympic medals in swimming, consequently attaining the title of the most decorated Olympic athlete in history. I labeled this accomplished athlete as an "environmental offender" https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2019/10/is-it-possible-to-achieve-good-life-for.html
To maintain consistency in my argument, it is crucial for me to now extend this classification to the new "environmental offender" from Portugal, Diogo Ribeiro. In essence, both individuals have adopted a lifestyle characterized by the consumption of well over a dozen thousand calories, intending to emulate certain behaviors observed in the animal kingdom. Despite their dedicated efforts, they have not succeeded in surpassing the performance exhibited by creatures such as crocodiles or sea turtles.
What benefit does humanity derive from allocating resources in this manner, particularly when it seems to be progressing unwittingly towards a future where there won't be enough food for everyone, including many residents of rich countries? In this context, let's recall the dramatic words articulated by Frans Timmermans, the EU Executive Vice-President, during the 2021 COP-26 in Glasgow, when he poignantly conveyed profound apprehensions regarding the future well-being of his own grandson: “This morning, or an hour ago, my son Marc sent me a picture of my grandson, Kees, who is one year old. I was thinking Kees will be 31 when we're in 2050, and it's quite a thought to understand that if we succeed, he'll be living in a world that's liveable. He'll be living in an economy that is clean, with air that is clean, at peace with his environment. If we fail, and I mean fail now within the next couple of years, he will fight with other human beings for water and food”
Continuing the discussion on environmental offenders,' I invite you to visit the blog post where I delve into the paper titled 'What Makes a Hero? Theorising the Social Structuring of Heroism.' as an introductory foundation for my critique of another pathetic "environmental offender" Sir Lewis Hamilton https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2019/11/behold-almighty-world-champion.html
To exacerbate matters, it is an undeniable truth that competitive sports are intricately woven into a narrative centered on the dichotomy of winners and losers. Regrettably, this narrative frequently perpetuates a narrow definition of success, predominantly highlighting material wealth, status, or power. This constrained viewpoint often obscures vital aspects of human flourishing, such as personal fulfillment, well-being, and the pursuit of knowledge, relegating these essential elements to the periphery.
Lastly, it is crucial to mention that I recently spotlighted scientist Peter Kalmus's insights in a blog post titled 'New Moral Obligations of University Professors and Researchers.' Yet, in the current context, where nonsensical priorities in mainstream media prioritize inconsequential sports "events" over climate-related issues, it is imperative to reassess Kalmus's perspectives. Particularly noteworthy are his remarks on ignorance and madness, outlined here. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/29/climate-scientist-dont-look-up-madness
