We’re All in This Together: Climate Solutions Beyond Your Backyard
By Kristen Caldwell
I was part of a delegation lobbying our representatives in Washington, D.C. last November and the experience was unlike any other. I am grateful for Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) for organizing the event so that so many Maine high schoolers could attend.
I had never lobbied before and I gained valuable insight about climate change and life on “The Hill.” It was inspiring being surrounded by so many like-minded and passionate individuals. I loved meeting people from all over the country who feel so strongly about ending global warming. This trip gave me hope about our future. It reminded me that there are many people who are fighting to save our planet.
Being on Capitol Hill further affirmed that I want to be working in the nation’s capital for the rest of my life. It truly was a dream to be surrounded by the offices of powerful people who are fighting for our country and against climate change. I am intrigued to learn more about what life is like working for a senator or representative and want to pursue this type of job career in my future.
Through the lobbying training day, I learned everything about carbon pricing. Before the CCL lobby day, I was unaware of how effective, efficient, and beneficial carbon pricing is. Now I feel empowered and confident to teach others about carbon pricing and to talk to my senators and representatives about the bill.
Being a young person in America, I feel that it is my generation’s responsibility to end climate change. In the meetings with staff members, I felt validated as an activist. It was inspiring that the staff members wanted to hear the young voices and that they acknowledged that climate change will detrimentally affect my generation if action is not taken.
We’re All in This Together is a regular monthly column from members of the Portland chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
