Among the many competing concerns of life, I would submit that there is one that will affect us — that is already affecting us — even more than this horrific pandemic. It is a threat coming towards us with unbearable speed and devastating consequences, worse and faster than I think many people feared: climate change.

For decades, we’ve heard the desperate calls from scientists and environmental activists on the need to act. We’ve seen headline after headline, from the arctic to the Great Barrier Reef. Many of us have now weathered extreme events made worse by the climate crisis: droughts, wildfires, heat, hurricanes.

So the topic of discussion today is to get out the the theoretical and let’s talk real. How is this “code red for humanity” affecting your life?

Is the climate crisis something you think about often? Do you talk about it with your friends, neighbors? Do they share your sentiments, be it fear, anxiety, uncertainty? For those of you with children or grandchildren, what are you hearing from the younger generation? How central is this to their concerns? How much is it part of their consciousness?

The truth is, we all have our part to play in preserving Earth — our one and only home. I was reminded of this by Dianne, who shared some thought-provoking reflections on a previous Steady post.

Dianne Davis:

Dan, so many thoughts were competing with each other as I read your Steady today. The most outstanding thought was that it’s great for scientists and governments to work to control climate change, but until everyone on earth accepts the responsibility to reduce power consumption, we will all lose.

Like you, I grew up in the 40’s, after WW 2. We had only one TV, less rooms in our house, my mother made our toddler clothes. Now I see houses in my neighborhood being torn down and replaced with mega mansions - for 4 people. Great expense for maintaining their lawns with gas-guzzling mowers, potent chemicals to control weeds and insects, etc. It is going to be the responsibility of EVERYONE to reduce their consumption..

We need personal and collective action and there are some hopeful signs. There is great progress being made in alternative energy. There is passion and activism among a growing number of people around the globe. We have a government now in the United States that is taking this seriously.

So let’s talk today in the comments section about what YOU are thinking. Let’s hear from each other and respond, in civil discourse, with our Steady community about our thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on climate change.

• How often do you think about climate change?

• What thoughts does it bring forth?

• Has it affected your life? The lives of your family or community?

• Have you made any changes in your daily routine because of the climate crisis?

• Any tips or favorite strategies to limit consumption?

• Any sources of inspiration?

• How do we make a change?

Leave a comment

Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):

• I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.

• I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.

• I want debate. But I want it to be civil.

• I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.

• I want this to be fun as well as serious.

We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

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