I came to fear climate change--and then to be inspired to work on minimizing its horrible impacts--after Katrina. It was still the early days of the internet as we now know it, and I remember watching the terrible images of devastation stream in one after another. People were in desperate need of help and they weren't being served by a government that was either unable or unwilling to respond.
It was then that I decided to dedicate myself to making sure events like this never happened again. Climate change can't be stopped, but its effects can be limited and we can help the people it hurts the most. Since I joined the call for action I've watched the climate movement build its power. It's become more inclusive, more open to new ideas, and more politically savvy. The diversity of the movement will be on display in New York on Sept. 21 in a show of force and solidarity never before seen on climate. Thank goodness for the event's hundreds of organizers.
While we continue to build power, we must remember and aid those that are being impacted by climate change now. The stories of affected communities spill out of the headlines as politicians dither. As I write, 775 villages in India are submerged under biblical floodwaters. The American West is girding for more wildfires, made stronger by dry soil and longer summers.
Over the next few months I'll be working hard with a our team to start up the Climate Relief Fund, a new project to bring resources to communities suffering from our changing climate. The fund will work with our fundraising allies to donate 100% of the money raised to local response efforts, like the amazing project that sprung up in New York, not far from the site of the March, called Operation Sandy which mobilized right after the storm to help their community respond and then rebuild. Organizers need resources, and we intend to help get them into their hands, all while telling the stories of the families, businesses and places impacted by our shifting climate.
See you on Sept. 21, and long after as we build awareness and togetherness. Let's get to work.
Marchons! 48 Hour People's Climate March Recruitment Storm:
Thursday Noon through Saturday Noon, August 21-23
We are one month out from the historic People's Climate March. The September 21 March is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where government and corporate leaders will convene to discuss taking action to address climate change.
Tens of thousands are expected to march in New York City.
Join in the 48 hour Recruitment Storm by registering and inviting friends to participate. Our goal is to add 10,000 new marchers by the end of the day Friday. Let's make September a game-changer for the climate movement.
Sign up here!!! --> People's Climate March