Like many, I’ve been overwhelmed with concern about what a Donald Trump presidency means for the earth.
On the campaign trail, Trump threatened to pull out of the Paris Agreement, the landmark agreement between dozens of nations to battle climate change.
I was inspired by these words from John Kerry, speaking at COP22, the UN Climate Change Conference.
Kerry spoke of his recent visit to Antarctica, where he listened to scientists expressing grave concerns about the pace of climate change. While he shared of the real and present danger of climate change, he also summoned hope. “It’s important to remind ourselves that we are not on a pre-ordained path to disaster,” said Kerry. “This is not pre-ordained. It’s not written in the stars. This is about choices—choices that we still have.”
Later in his speech, Kerry addressed Trump’s election, and what it might mean to our battle against climate change.
“One of the things I have learned is that some issues look a little bit different when you’re actually in office, compared to when you’re on the campaign trail,” he said.
“And the truth is that climate change shouldn’t be a partisan issue in the first place. It isn’t a partisan issue for our military leaders in the Pentagon, who call climate change a threat multiplier in a powerful statement of the whole world’s broad commitment to this agreement,” he continued.
“I ask you on behalf of billions of people around the world… I ask you to see for yourselves, do your own due diligence before making irrevocable choices. Examine closely what it is that’s persuaded the Pope, Presidents and Prime Ministers… to take on the responsibility of responding to this threat.”
There is one thing that all humans have in common, regardless of political or religious beliefs, regardless of race or privilege: We all need the earth to remain safe and hospitable.
Here are three things you can do right now to show that you support action against climate change:
>> Calculate your carbon footprint and commit to reducing it.
>> Sign the Union of Concerned Scientist’ petition telling Donald Trump that you support science-based evidence about climate change.
>> Write to Congress to ask them to support action against climate change.
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Author: Lynn Shattuck
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