“At every moment of our lives we are free to act towards the future we wish for.”
Heinz von Foerster, Wissen und Gewissen
The extent of the destruction after the heavy rain and floods in July 2021 here in Germany is unimaginable for many people. Only direct experience and the images on television and the internet give us a vague idea of it. At the same time, what people experienced and suffered in those hours remains incomprehensible.
The weather and the forces of nature are becoming a threat that can strike any of us. We consider how we can protect ourselves. These emergency and prevention programmes are important. At the same time, we must not forget the causes of such developments: every day people act with even more destructive force against our nature, destroying habitats and with them our future. If we continue to allow this, soon none of our values will be safe.
The heart of our global weather system is beating ever more weakly
When I was a guest on the Amazon in 2007, I experienced nature there as unimaginably alive, generous and nourishing. I lived with people who have a close relationship with their habitat and who protect and preserve it.
We, too, depend on the ecosystem of their rainforests in the Amazon. These forests are like a heart pump for the global weather system. If this pump beats ever more slowly and grows ever weaker because the Amazon forests continue to be cut down, we and our children will experience a future none of us wishes for.
So I asked myself: what can I contribute to the change we all urgently need now? Can I, as an individual, do anything at all that has an effect?
The necessary change can only succeed together
We saw it after the recent flood disaster: when everyone gives something, unimaginable quantities of relief supplies come together. At the same time, it helps little when many people do something at random: a further flood wave reached the flooded areas – this time of things that completely overwhelmed the helpers and the barely functioning logistics.
Not only doing good, but also achieving good!
If we want to help and achieve something good, we should draw on what has already proven itself. That is why I decided to use the means at my disposal to draw attention to the environmental organisation Amazon Watch and to call for donations to it.
For 25 years Amazon Watch has been committed to protecting the rainforest in the Amazon basin. The organisation works with all the leading environmental organisations and at the same time protects the indigenous peoples who want to preserve their habitat and thus contribute to a better future for us all.
If we want to invest money in our future, in our retirement provision and in the habitat of our children, we can do so by donating to Amazon Watch.
My artwork “Immersion” as an incentive for your donation
I began my artistic career almost 30 years ago. I know how long it takes to build something that reaches beyond our daily horizon. Along the way I asked myself several times whether I should give up. But I carried on, because my art is my means of expression through which I reach people. Today I can look back on an intense, successful career. And I hope to be able to make my contribution in this world for many more years.
Such commitment and perseverance are demanded of all of us in shaping a good future. That is why I will raffle my artwork “Immersion” among all supporters of this campaign who send me their receipt for a donation of at least 25 euros. I will hold the raffle as soon as I have received receipts for donations totalling 25,000 euros.
If we act, we all win
“Immersion” symbolises what we all want to achieve together. For “immersion” means “diving in”, “letting oneself fall”. That is only possible if we have a stable hold. A stable climate and intact ecosystems give life on this earth existential security.
You can contribute too. Share this article so that the campaign “Saving the Amazon and our future” reaches as many people as possible. Because then we all win!
Donate now!
Together with Eduardo Serrano I produced a film about the project – take a look! Here you can also find out how to take part in the fundraising campaign and, with a little luck, win my artwork!
I am already looking forward to receiving your donation receipt at my email address: