by Don Duquette, on behalf of the Environmental Action Group

Climate Change Diatribe – from the EAG
Hello Rotary Friends. Generally, EAG takes an easy, fun-loving approach to our environmental messages. We seek to influence our members gently. Not too loud. Step by step. But perhaps the heat is getting to me. My self-control is waning.
The world is hotter this summer than it has been in 125,000 years!
Damn it! Let’s DO something! The world is on fire.
We received this diatribe from Don Leavitt of the A2 Climate Teach-in Group. (info@A2ClimateTeachin.com) Slightly edited, I adopt this as my own. Will you?
• The heat today around the world is ridiculous.
• I’m sick of it.
• We don’t need any more scientific studies or data. The climate crisis has arrived – in full view.
• My diatribe is about climate advocacy. More specifically, political climate advocacy.

Heat pumps; electric vehicles; plant-based diets; zero-waste?

Even if each of us score 100% on these actions — it won’t get us there – because most people will not do these things.

Individual actions are critical, but we have to move beyond our individual carbon footprints and advocate for governmental initiatives which address climate change!

Climate Advocacy? Here’s my call and response:

I’m not knowledgeable enough to discuss these issues with politicians and decision-makers.
• In the 1990s, we needed scientific evidence. We are beyond that point.
• Climate action organizations have the expertise. By joining these organizations, we don’t need our own high-level of expertise.

There are already people doing this advocacy. They don’t need my help.
• Advocacy depends on the number of people involved – the more the better

I live in Ann Arbor, where all politicians support climate action.
• We also live (and vote) in a county, state, and country – and these are not as liberal as Ann Arbor.
• And even in Ann Arbor there are policies and decisions which are being debated – which impact climate change.

Does climate advocacy really matter?
• Drafting position papers and policy statements for government officials? That matters.
• Showing government officials that many of their voters support climate action? That matters.

There are so many climate action organizations, how can I know what they do, and which are effective?
• The Climate Teach-in Networking Session addressed this issue – but we need to do more.
• Check out the local climate organizations. There are easy opportunities for you to speak with them – and learn which organizations are a good “fit” for you.
• Ask info@climateteachin.com

What climate action organization works for you. Let’s get it done!