Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. Photo by pclvv
Sometimes, the best answer to a question really is another question. I’m convinced that this is the case when faced with the common query these days:
“What is the one thing you recommend I should do to help stop climate change?”
It’s a fair question. And it often follows from presentations or events where a certain effect of climate change has been brought into focus. Such was the case during a question and answer session at the Waimea Film Festival, with Chasing Ice Director Jeff Orlowski and producer Paula DuPré Pesmen. But, instead of stumbling through the familiar “top ten” list of things people can do, Orlowski responded, “I don’t know. It depends on you—and I don’t know you. To answer your question, I need to know: what are you good at?”
At first, this response might seem a dodge, or at the least, frustrating, for someone who just wants to be given a simple answer. And there is some risk that in providing a response that requires some thought, we may dilute the participation levels of the crowds. “People are too busy to think about it…just tell them what to do” is a common sentiment.
But, Pesmen and Orlowski provided a compelling argument for why that approach just doesn’t make sense: it all comes down to passion. Each one of us has our own interests, our own skill sets that we can bring to the table. And when we act based on those, we tend to follow through and have more impact. When it comes to Climate Change, the solution just requires each of us do SOMETHING. The technology is there. The economics are there. What is preventing sound action on Climate Change is political will. And to create that, we need a massive shift in public engagement in the issue. We need everyone who is “too busy” to become engaged—to show that this is something that they care about.
The best way to make that happen is to encourage individuals to do something that draws from their own interest, their own skills, their own personal passion.
So, if you are an artist, paint. If you are an activist, create a demonstration. If you are a stay-at-home mom, teach your kids about energy saving and share your lessons with fellow moms. If you are good at writing, help organizations create editorials for the local paper. If you commute, start a carpool. Each and every one of those things matters. Each shows a shift in public consciousness and values.
Orlowski used his talents as a filmmaker to create a documentary. Pesmen used her talents as a producer to move the film onto a larger stage. The folks with the Crochet Coral Reefs project used their love of crocheting to raise awareness. The question is: what will you choose to do?
The Chasing Ice website has a “Make a Difference” section that provides both simple, concrete steps and more open-ended suggestions for how we can all make a difference. The Learn section includes links to many fantastic resources and organizations that can serve as launch pads for your own interest. It’s a great place to start. But remember, there is no silver bullet to solve this. Let the answer to the question reflect your own colorful flare. Whatever your passion, make that your action. That’s the way to create true change.
The Ocean Lorax 