Will wildfires lead us to act together?
Thank you for your Friday, Sept. 11, editorial “Worst Yet to Come on Climate Change.”
Climate scientists and activists have for years been called doomsayers because of our gloomy forebodings about the future. But as the leading edge of that future arrives, there is little satisfaction in our accuracy. Instead, I hope we can use this sad time to move beyond denial and into active problem solving.
A common way to look at problem solving is to see that it takes four steps.
First, I have to become aware that somebody thinks something is a problem. It’s not an issue for me of course, but it’s a problem for someone somewhere sometime.
Second, I admit to myself that I personally have that problem. It’s not theoretical anymore. It’s real and sometime I will have to deal with it — some other time. Not now.
Third, something happens and I reach a point where I am motivated. I must do something now. Today is the day my new life begins. Only at this point do I seriously start looking for practical solutions.
And only at Step Four do I actually take necessary action. A small step is good, big enough that I know I’ve done something; small enough that I actually keep doing it. Often it’s something I already knew I needed to do; I just lacked the will to do it.
Hopefully these wildfires, coming on top of other climaterelated catastrophes this year, will push each of us forward a step. Have the fires moved you to Step Three, ready to take action? If the answer is yes, then what can you do?
You already know the answer. Join a group. We are stronger together.
For several years I have been a member of Citizens’ Climate
Lobby. This national nonpartisan group supports a solution popular with Democrats, Republicans, and the economists they respect. Put an increasing price on carbon dioxide emissions produced by fossil fuel companies and return the money to households. Consistent with other proposed programs, it helps low income people. It raises costs enough to push high energy users toward clean alternatives, and it sets up trade adjustments for worldwide effectiveness.
It will take Congressional action, and we all know they react rather than initiate. We need to get organized now so we are ready to act when the new Congress convenes in 2021.
Here’s a small step, but a real step. Make a monthly phone call to Representative Garamendi. Go to CCLUSA.org/mcc and join the monthly calling campaign. Let your voice count.
Together we can build a livable world.
— Terry Beggs, Woodland