To the Editor:
“What can I do?” Anything.
The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) about the future of life on earth if we don’t immediately move away from burning fossil fuels was sobering and terrifying. We have no time to wait. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said this is a “code red for humanity.” The daily reports of heatwaves, forest fires and sea level rise can feel overwhelming.
But the future is not yet written. Each one of us can do something to speed the change we need. Emily Atkin, who writes the informative newsletter “HEATED” answers the question “What can I do? Anything” at https://heated.world/p/what-can-i-do-anything.
There are many groups we can join to take action, including N.C. Warn and Oil Change International. We can act with others to magnify our voices. We can donate to climate groups that focus on our issues. We can contact our representatives at least monthly to let them know the climate crisis is a priority. Rep. David Price recently conducted a survey on priority issues for his constituents. Climate change came out on top. Senators Burr and Tillis need to hear from us that the climate crisis is bearing down on us now — not a problem for the future. We can comment on proposed utility regulations. We can talk with our friends and family about our hopes and fears. We can subscribe to newsletters that direct us to calls for action. This is a partial list — there is much more that each of us can do..
What can I do? Anything.
Vickie Atkinson
Chapel Hill