Though there are several vital policies dividing voters in the Georgia senate race, the one that reaches far beyond the residents of that state is the fight against climate change.
As someone who votes clear across the country, I beg those eligible to vote in Georgia to please consider our natural world when you complete your ballot.
There are clear differences in the stances of each candidate. Here’s a snapshot in case the voter pamphlets aren’t thorough on the often-overlooked topic:
David Perdue has an abysmal voting record when it comes to the environment. One only has to look at his Conservation Scorecard to see where he stands on the climate crisis.
Kelly Loeffler is one of the strongest supporters of President Trump’s anti-environmental policies, most likely because she personally profits from them.
Rev. Raphael Warnock, Loeffler’s opponent, has perhaps the best record of fighting for Mother Earth, from supporting efforts to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord to bringing leaders together to take action on the environment, the list is long.
Georgia voters, we need you now more than ever. Please cast your votes for Jon Osoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock. Our lives literally depend on it.
If you live outside of Georgia and would still like to help, make a donation here.
This Saturday, as a recent graduate of the Climate Reality Project Leadership Program, I’ll deliver my first presentation to a private group for the 24 Hours of Reality: Countdown to the Future event.
The Climate Reality Project in partnership with TED are hosting two incredible days of (mostly virtual) presentations and discussions “exploring the future we want and how we get there.”
So, why am I doing this?
Because I care. Because much of what I learned in our intensive training this summer was very frightening. Because if I don’t do something, I’m part of the problem.
Here are some of the statistics that motivate me to take action:
110 million tons of manmade global warming pollution is spewed into our atmosphere every 24 hours … by us.
Carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere faster than at any time in the last 66 million years.
93% of the extra heat trapped by manmade global warming pollution goes into the ocean.
It’s all very disturbing, but also, for the most part, preventable. There are solutions and there is hope.
And we must listen, respond—and cling—to that for the sake of all of our futures.
If you’d like to join a public presentation in your area this Saturday or Sunday, click here.
While Covid-19 devastates the human population worldwide, its consequences lessen the impact of the climate crisis.
Italy, France and Spain are on lockdown, the U.S. has closed schools nationwide, Canada has sealed its borders. With nearly 8,000 deaths and over 198,000 infected across the globe, there is a collective sadness permeating our reality. It may seem difficult to find a silver lining in such trying times, but there is one: The benefits to the environment that this pandemic ripple effect provides.
Less Transportation Pollution
Major tech companies have implemented mandatory telecommuting for their employees, which removes thousands of commuters from the rush hour equation. In addition, multiple airline carriers will be forced to reduce flight schedules in the coming months (which will hopefully also end ‘ghost’ flights). Both of these actions result in a vast reduction of pollution and conservation of fuel. Furthermore, if companies that haven’t previously permitted telecommuting see productivity remain consistent, it may encourage them to adapt the policy long-term.
Waste Reduction
The news reels after major sporting events and music festivals almost always show massive amounts of garbage generated by audiences, the majority of which ends up in landfills. With the cancellation of large gatherings and conferences that bring thousands of people together, large volumes of waste won’t be generated. This reduces the release of methane and the greenhouse effect that would result from it.
Plant-based vs. Meat Consumption
Another way the coronavirus impact reduces methane production is through our altered pattern of food consumption. As officials are advising everyone to stock up on non-perishable items, it’s pasta, rice and beans that are flying off store shelves instead of meat and dairy products. Furthermore, restaurants are closing or remaining open only for carry-out meals, which causes them to order less food for preparation, including meats.
Recovery of Natural Areas
With quarantines in place and non-essential travel nearly eliminated, many resorts, parks, beaches and other natural spaces that would usually see a lot of activity from humans are getting a break. This means an organic rehabilitation not unlike (yet not as regimented) as what the government of Boracay, Philippines did a few years back to restore their damaged environment.
Healthy Actions for Ourselves and Mother Earth
So, what’s the best way we as individuals can both protect ourselves from the outbreak and be good stewards of the environment along the way?
Respect grocery store limits so your less vulnerable neighbors won’t be short of any necessary supplies or food.
Continue to recycle, remember to care for your plants and flowers, and avoid single-use plastics. Basically, do all of the things you would normally do to foster a healthy environment.
Above all else, remember to breathe, practice social distancing and limit the amount of disaster news you consume each day.
