I attended the Blessed Tomorrow/UCC Climate Ambassador Training on Nov 5. In the introduction, the leader said, “Climate change is a moral issue.” That really struck me. (You know me–an animal activist, who talks quite a bit about plant-based eating.) I thought, “Duh…climate change IS a moral issue, just like animal activism.” I had made that connection a long time ago. But, how often in real life do we sit down and contemplate this? I don’t know about you, but for me, life used to be too busy for much contemplation. Of course, then COVID came, and now, for me, there is far too much time sitting around thinking! As a result, I have found that many of the big issues facing us today are moral issues and they are not easy issues either—unfortunately, not much is black and white. The following is some of what I learned.
The vulnerable among us are the most at risk, for example, people who are less affluent, are experiencing more of a financial burden with the inflated prices of food and gas. This places a disproportional burden on Black and brown people.
We can all lead. It doesn’t have to be as big as running for political office, or leading a march. It could be something simple. You could take part in any climate actions, eat more plant-based meals, and probably what I consider the most important, learn & share. Be an example of change.
We are not alone. This one is a biggie! If we realize that we can lean on one another, our impact is all that more powerful! There are SO many folks who think this is an important issue, and who feel somewhat powerless to affect change. BUT, when we listen, learn and act, together we can make small (or large) changes that lead to a big overall impact.
Climate solutions help everyone! For example, switching from fossil fuels to renewables, cleans the air we all breathe. Supporting community gardens and food pantries helps the whole community have more food security, which may reduce crime, and community mental health issues.
Transition must be just. As we move from fossil fuels to renewables, workers in coal mines (or other parts of the fossil fuel industry) must be considered. Programs could be created to help them gain the skills they need to transition their work so that they are still gainfully employed. Similarly, factory farmers could be retrained in sustainable plant farming. Leaders in the vegan movement have already begun this work. This can be a win-win for all involved.
During the second part of the workshop, they gave some ideas of things other congregations are doing.
- Stop using fossil fuels
- Restore nature (maybe plant a native plant in your yard)
- Use projection instead of printing song sheets/bulletins. (We do a lot of this.)
- Pledge to go plant-based for Lent (Worcester UCC did this last year)
- Install solar panels on the church (we already do this)
- Install electric car charging stations
If you are talking to family, friends, community members or anyone really, here are some steps to help with those conversations:
- Start with and stay with people. Meet people where they are.
- Make it real. Focus on what people can see with their own eyes today.
- Focus on solutions and personal benefit.
- Inspire and Empower. Focus on opportunity instead of doom and gloom.
- Activate. Give people one or two ideas that they can actually do right now.
Okay. I know that was a lot and not all of us are going to be climate ambassadors, but everyone can take an action or two (or a hundred. Lol)
Stay tuned for next month’s Kermit’s Korner, where I will be doing a year-end review of what progress we made on last year’s suggestions. I will showcase how the Green Team did with the challenge, and give you even more practical suggestions for ways you can be part of the solution.
Laura Beck for the Green Team