Citizen action is the key to counter global warming

Indianapolis.

NY Times blogger Andrew Revkin makes some fascinating points.

He considers the controversial assertion by "turncoat" environmentalists that "the environmental movement is dead."  There's no denying that after the great recession, support for environmental projects is down, and we're facing a congress more hostile to the environment than any since 1970.

Given this hostile environment, we need to give careful though to what will motivate the public.

Revkin says it's important to avoid rosy predictions--because converting to renewable energy won't be easy.

We need to distinguish between "thought experiments" that are overly optimistic, and the practical road maps for how we'll actually get to a sustainable future.

Revkin concludes his article by saying: ..."We need...realistic thinking about the social and political buy-in necessary to drive wholesale energy transformation."

Here's my take on how to generate that buy in.  While the scientists do their research, engineers draw their plans, and politicians dither, citizens need to take individual action.

Let's encourage citizens to change unsustainable habits, undertake green projects in their yards and neighborhoods, educate children, and begin to transform things they can influence directly and locally.  Engage that American "can-do" and optimism.

Much of the impulse to de-carbonize must come from the grass roots.  This is where the "social and political will" can be  found.

That's why The Friends of Lake Wingra is about to announce an important new Watershed Outreach Program.  The future IS in your hands.