It’s time to stop the madness. Fossil fuel industries have taken profit over people and planet to new heights, as they work aggressively to stop any progress on mitigating climate crisis. Their tactics range from spreading disinformation to greenwashing their products, lobbying in Congress, funding climate denial research, and rebranding themselves as part of the solution to climate crisis.
Fossil fuel disinformation includes saying that climate action will hurt jobs and the economy, convincing us we need fossil fuels, and saying climate change isn’t such a big deal. Five major US oil companies have spent at least $3.6 billion dollars on advertisements alone. And they are still being subsidized by the federal government.
To value money over life is a sickness caused by greed. To destroy the world for profit is a heinous crime. Fossil fuel products—oil, “natural” gas, coal and plastics—have caused major damage to our health, our ecosystems, and the Earth, our only home. Fossil fuel companies have known about the harm they are causing since 1960. But apparently, profit is more important than anything else. So now we are experiencing world-wide devastation from heatwaves, wildfires, extreme weather, pollution, and floods. Climate crisis is taking a toll on our health. Oceans are heating up. Crops are beginning to fail worldwide, making food more expensive.
Our future depends on a stable climate, healthy ecosystems, and a pollution-free world. We are all in this together. We need to do everything we can to reverse climate crisis and end fossil fuel use immediately. Time is running out. We can contact our legislators, talk to our family, friends and neighbors, join groups like Transition Town Greater Media, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, or your local Environmental Advisory Committee. We can refuse to buy fossil fuel products as much as possible, switch from gas and oil heaters to heat pumps, install a native plant garden, consume less, and make lifestyle changes. Every action matters.
Wondering where to put your energy? Ayana Johnson, author of “What If We Get It Right,” describes the work that people are doing around the globe to create a better world. She asks three questions of us:
- What are you good at? What are your areas of expertise? What can you bring to the table? Think about your skills, resources, and networks—you have a lot to offer.
- What work needs doing? Are there particular climate and justice solutions you want to focus on? Think about systemic changes and efforts that can be replicated or scaled. There are heaps of options.
- What brings you joy? Or perhaps a better word is “satisfaction.” What gets you out of bed in the morning? Choose climate actions that energize and enliven you.
Use your answers to these questions to refine and energize your commitment to climate action.
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