Just…start

When dealing with the climate crisis, you may be paralyzed with inaction since the problem seems so “intractable and hopeless.” It isn’t. In fact, the climate crisis is waiting for you; it’s calling your name; it needs your help; you just need to start. 

The Nigerian poet, Ijeoma Umebinyuo, wrote:

Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just… start.

As far as I can tell, Ijeoma was not talking about climate change, but nonetheless, it is a wonderful quote. The climate movement needs you: yes you. 

May I suggest you start by talking about climate change; start by talking to your family and friends. Have those discussions; it’s easier than you think. You may also want to educate yourself on climate change. Check out the facts at NOAA’s climate.gov. Or read Pope Francis’s seminal encyclical on climate change, Laudato Si, at tinyurl.com/ReadLaudatoSi. 

And when you are ready to act, consider joining a group such as Al Gore’s Climate Reality climaterealityproject.org or Citizen Climate Lobby at citizensclimatelobby.org or perhaps Global Catholic Climate Movement at catholicclimatemovement.global. Just…start.   

Working together, we can help take care of our common home. 

P.S. Want to learn more about purchasing and owning an electric vehicle? Please consider joining us virtually on May 9 at 3pm for a panel discussion of EV owners, including me, at tinyurl.com/ev-meetup 

Paul Litwin