We’re out of presidential terms to waste.
-Bill McKibben, 350.org
That’s 350 founder Bill McKibben ruminating on the ongoing crises we face – monster storms (Hurricane Laura), heat waves resulting in wild fires (California), a pandemic that makes evacuations far more complicated, flooding in China – all of which warn us that time is running out and immediate climate action is critical.
McKibben goes on to say that whoever takes over the White House in January is “going to be dealing with an immediate and overwhelming climate crisis, not just the prospective dilemma that other Administrations have faced. It’s not coming; it’s here. The luxury of moving slowly, the margin for zigging and zagging to accommodate various interests, has disappeared.”
In addition, the pandemic and its resulting economic dislocation, as well as the climate crisis, must be addressed. And a viable plan will have to, in some way, be the solution to widespread job loss. Not a simple task, especially given the interests that keep us locked into the use of fossil fuels.
We need to understand that if there’s going to be effective American climate action, it’s going to have to come from Joe Biden. As Biden and Harris campaign for the future of our democracy, they also have to fight for the future of the planet. We are out of options. The Orange Zombie and his cronies must go if we are to save anything of what we know and love.
BRIGHT IDEA: Vote early to be sure it’s counted
There are many reasons to vote in this election. And there are good reasons to believe that, if we don’t take back the White House, our democracy will be lost. And, if we don’t elect the one candidate who promises to fight for the planet, Earth will also be lost.
We are not likely to get another chance to make a difference. So, stand up now – early enough – to be counted. Request your absentee ballot and return it right away, preferably in person.
Be a patriot. Set a good example of what America means for the generations to come. They will need it.
–Timothy Snyder in “On Tyranny”
Decisions we make today impact our children, grandchildren, and all generations that follow. Make choices that will improve their lives by voting. It also sets a good example and encourages civic responsibility.
Together we decide our future. Be part of that future by voting.
Neither we, nor the planet, can afford another four years of an administration that denies climate change and science.
Author’s Note: Bill McKibben’s column, “The Climate Crisis,” in The New Yorker is largely responsible for our content this month.
Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which, during the pandemic, meets online the fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
