A vital question: “What do we do about climate change?”
Equally important: “How should we be in this climate change era?”
BRIGHT IDEA: “We should be together!”
At least, that’s the spirit behind Portland and South Portland’s four-part climate action planning process, One Climate Future.
The importance of being together is obvious when it comes to Climate Resilience — the “social section” of the planning process. “Resilience” is the ability to bounce back and quickly recover from misfortune or change. In the context of climate, it’s to ensure that our neighborhoods can withstand, respond to, and recover from a disruption… or… prepare, mitigate, adapt, and endure shocks and chronic stressors.
Getting together with others to share ideas and take measures to cultivate a high quality of life is a critical component of resilience even though some actions may not seem to be connected to the climate crisis.
Neighbors, for example, could become valuable allies if a monster storm were to knock out power lines for an extended period.
-Photo by Pamela Shaw (WEN Media Library, May 2017)
Fortunately, folks in both Portland and South Portland are taking steps to strengthen neighborhood bonds and to help people meet basic needs in emergency situations.
Food forests, farmer’s markets; tool lending libraries; music and dance events in public parks, and neighborhood associations, are all good examples. But there’s always more to be done and you — yes YOU! — may have a bright idea to contribute. We need your perspective!
What keeps you from being prepared?
The second OCF survey is now available. It asks what prevents you from taking steps to better prepare for climate change-related disruptions. It only takes a few minutes to complete.
Just go to: www.oneclimatefuture.org or stop by Room 26 in City Hall to pick up a paper copy.
To learn more about individual and community resilience, check out a short, engaging video called “Surfing the Waves of Change” here: www.resilience.cultivate.ie/.
We stand at a critical turning point with no time to spare.
Let’s take action together NOW!
Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which meets the last Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
