I was listening to Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk Podcast https://www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-climate-solutions-with-katharine-hayhoe-phd/ on my way to work one morning, and what the guest on the show said struck a chord with me. The guest, Katharine Hayhoe, said that even if all individuals made substantial changes to their lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprints, that wouldn’t tackle even 20% of the problems.
Us driving electric cars, taking public transit, recycling, and doing other things that minimize our carbon footprints are a small drop in an ocean full of massive industries belching greenhouse gases, clearing forests, and creating massive plantations. Big change will come when big corporations change their ways. But should we stop doing our bit because what we do doesn’t mean a lot?
No. Firstly, 20% is still 20%. Secondly, we, the individuals, have collectively put in power people who are supposed to represent our interests. When our own future depends on what happens in parliament houses and Capitol buildings, we cannot afford to separate ourselves from what happens in those buildings. We must vote for the people whose interests align with ours. We must vote in people who understand that urgent action is necessary, and act on it, and hold them accountable when they don’t.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 