BY JONATHAN BROCKOPP
Greta Thunberg, that inspiring Swedish activist, has received a lot of attention for her strong words on climate change. “How dare you!” she famously scolded world leaders at the United Nations, adding: “You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”
But locally, our children have been just as outspoken. I attended the “climate strike” on Sept. 20, where one young activist pointed out that they feel forced “to do the brunt of the work, because our older generations – most of them – have not done it.”
They are right. Time and again, politicians have promised action, all the way back to 1992, when Republican President George H. W. Bush promised “an action plan on climate change.” If we had taken up his challenge over a quarter century ago, when carbon dioxide levels were around 350 ppm, this would all be much easier. Now they are surpassing 415 and rising quickly, and we are locking in ever-more dangerous climate change impacts.
So, I’ve decided to dedicate this month’s column to local groups that are making a difference. They are all looking for help, so join them!