Many have noted that marches alone do not create change. The challenge is now to convert this energy into action.
As a follow up to the march I am sending letters to my representative, Senators, and of course the President. My letter is below. Go ahead and add yours in a comment!
For me, the challenge is to choose concrete asks and concrete local, state, national and international actions I can take. Writing a letter is one. changing to all renewable power and an electric car is another. Working on a white paper on how local governments can enact policies to get to zero carbon emissions is another. Eliminating and reducing high carbon footprint foods from my family shopping cart is another.
Here is one step: Writing a letter:
Greetings,
I wish to commend you on the action you have taken on climate issues to date, including Clean Air Act rules on greenhouse gasses and the various efforts to promote renewable power.
However, as you know it is not enough. We must keep some 80% of existing reserves of fossil fuels in the ground so I would urge you to take the following actions:
1) Please take action to reduce the rate of fossil fuel extraction in the US, from stopping any further leases of public lands for coal mining or oil drilling to blocking any drilling for oil in the arctic. These latter in particular are only accessible because of the incredible damage we have already done to the biosphere.
2) Please deny the permit for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and for any import and transport permits for shipping tar sands oil east through pipelines in Maine.
3) Take real leadership in the upcoming international conference to craft legally binding, concrete commitments to reduce emissions sufficiently to prevent truly catastrophic climate change.
We know for a certainty that the consequences of climate change will be vastly, vastly more expensive than prevention. I personally have recently replaced my 1998 VOlvo wagon with an all electric NIssan LEAF and subscribed to a 100% wind power electricity supply contract. After adding up all costs from repairs, gasoline, electricity, etc are added up, converting my own personal home and transportation to a zero carbon emission system runs approximately $3 a month more than my previous household budget. Three whole dollars.
All that is required is political will and leadership. I believe you do not want to go down in history as the President who had the opportunity to deal with catastrophic climate change cheaply but lacked the political courage to do so. All I can think is that only Neville Chamberlain would want to see that, and only because he would be replaced as history's most hapless leader.
As I mentioned, I appreciate your efforts, but the science is clear it isn't enough. The March today made clear that there are millions of Americans who will support you and have your back as you take the courageous steps to take difficult action.
Many thanks.
What are your actions? If you have ideas, add them. If you don't, take a look at what others are pledging to do.
Keep it simple. Keep it doable. One step at a time, but quickly, quickly!