Over 400 folks marched up to Northampton City Hall on Sept. 20 to hear speakers rail against fossil fuel, corporations and legislators. Some speakers suggested climate change was not our fault, that we were victims of corporate greed and corrupt politics. Really?
You and I had nothing to do with it. Really?
After we sang, clapped and cheered, most of us walked back to fossil-fueled vehicles and turned the key, sending pollution and poisons into the atmosphere. We then returned to homes with fossil fuel electricity and heating. My question is, how are we (you) not guilty, and more importantly, what are (we) you going to do to stop climate change and prevent our extinction?
Let’s start with things you know all of us can do right now as individuals. Here are a few easy ones. Trade your car for an electric car. The Chevy Bolt has a 230-plus mile range, as do many other electric vehicle choices, which is more than the average 40 miles per day most of us need.
Next, you will want to fuel your car and home with solar electricity. Talk to local solar installers about low- to no-cost options, or look for community solar projects.
Don’t forget your home. Start with a free energy audit, increase insulation and replace your fossil fuel heating/cooling with heat pumps. Not vegan? Consider replacing meat with a vegetable/pasta choices several times a week.
Look, just because we are guilty of contributing to climate change does not mean we can’t challenge our politicians and corporations to do their part! Yes, tell state legislators to end utility renewable energy caps, and cap fossil fuel instead, and that it is time for carbon tax.
Tell the state Senate to release the Green Works legislation stuck in committee! Tell both chambers to fund electric vehicle incentives that expired Oct. 1. And most importantly, end all state and federal incentives to fossil fuels!
As Thunberg says, this is an emergency, we need to stop believing in fairy tales that doing nothing is an option. I believe in you. Please don’t say you feel helpless, or solutions are too expensive. You know the alternative and do you really believe that is acceptable?
So when I see you at the next rally, march or meeting I want to hear all about your success to change your future.
Christopher Smith
Hatfield