Those of you who have participated in one of my climate change workshops will likely remember that, at some point in the discussion, I usually pose the question, “Is it too late?” It’s a trick question, and part of the punchline is that between the two extremes of “denial” and “despair” lies the path of action.
And I tell faith communities that our religious partners have a critical role: they can help ground us in the moral imperative to take action, to strive to make a difference – even when the final outcome is uncertain. That, after all, is part of the very nature and purpose of faith.
In the recent UN climate report, the world’s climate scientists emphasize just how short our window of opportunity is. And I confess that for a few days, I couldn’t bear to read beyond the headlines; I didn’t have the spiritual energy to absorb more bad news. But the report reinforces the importance of the work that we are doing here in Connecticut. The scientists say that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, nations must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2010 levels by 2030.
Earlier this year, our advocacy helped win landmark legislation establishing one of the most aggressive state emissions reduction targets for 2030 (45% below 2001 levels) and a comparably ambitious target for renewable energy.
As highlighted in this month’s newsletter, we continue to take concrete steps toward achieving those goals. But there’s so much more that we must do together. Thank you for participating in this collective journey of faith – and action.
Author: Aisha K. Staggers
Provider of "proactive and strategic communications" with a solid background in print and digital journalism. Communications Director of Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.