A few weeks back, a Team Earth member made an important point.
Erin R. said: “I’m all for the actions described below. But, as Tom Friedman says in his book Hot, Flat & Crowded, it is more important to change your leaders than to change your light bulbs. Volunteerism is not going to do it.”
And you know what? She’s got a good point. While Team Earth is focused on helping all people make better choices in their actions, we also believe in the power of using your voice to influence change.
As our leaders are now considering climate change legislation, we do encourage you to get informed and let them know that you expect them to take action. For example, did you know that the burning down of tropical rain forests creates more greenhouse gas pollution than all the cars, planes, trains and ships in the world combined? Doesn’t protecting these tropical forests just make sense?
Tackling climate change is a big job that requires all of us working together on many fronts. But together, our voices and our actions can make a difference. So change your light bulbs and call your congressman to tell them that you’re doing your part. The question is, are they?
For more information on other actions, check out the Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council or Sierra Club.
Manuel Oliva is Director of U.S. Climate Policy at Conservation International.
Read more about: climate change, forests, policy
