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As we ponder how to deal with the climate crisis, one of the most important realizations is that we are not alone. The challenges are huge, and it will require all of us to deal with them together.
The good news is that many people are thinking of creative ways to move toward sustainability. In a new book, Facing the Climate Crisis Together: Voices for Advocacy and Action, we hear from 33 climate champions and their work for a sustainable planet.
We need to realize that every step toward healing the planet matters. Some actions have great impact, some reach large audiences, and some are valiant attempts that may not seem like much but enable us to carry on with integrity. We need to keep at it daily, doing our part. We are all struggling with the climate monster that has been created. The great news is that we can face it together, in small but strong communities of advocates and activists around the world.
This book includes voices of people like you and me—what inspired us, what we feel passionate about as we face the climate future.
The stories give hope and renewed energy for climate action. We plant seeds of change, not knowing the outcome but hoping that what grows will improve the world. We put the seeds in the ground at a favorable place, water them, maybe solicit help for their care, and pray for a harvest we can share with others. The Earth is powerful, always renewing, always active to sustain life. We can be that way too.
The voices in this book encourage us never to give up. As we listen to others who are active in their communities, we see glimmers of hope. As climate activists, we are engaged in the most important efforts of our time. We rally with others as we pursue our vision for a better world.
Facing the Climate Future Together is a joint effort of many activists. Each chapter features four to six people who share their eco-biographies. Between the chapters are creative pieces for readers to ponder—songs, poems, artwork, and short plays for street theater or group readings. These Short YouTube Videos called “Interludes” are to motivate us for climate action. Together, we join our efforts like members of an orchestra, each playing our instrument the way we know best.
Picking up on the ideas presented, after each solo voice there are suggestions for further consideration. The questions raised are intended to trigger personal reflection. They can be used as journal prompts for those who want to think about their own part in the concert of activists. Alternatively, the questions can become starting points for group discussions. What did I learn? What did this solo voice contribute that inspired me? What can I do, alone or as a member of a group, to follow up?
As in a piece of music, there are recurrent themes, like thinking globally and acting locally, or reaching out to build community. We all come from a position of deep conviction that the Earth is our home, that we are all interconnected, and that the cause of planetary health is worth fighting for.
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Ingrid Rogers is the author of 11 books, a retired professor of English and Modern Languages, and the proud grandmother of two who wants a livable world for future generations.
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