“The rapid accumulation of global-warming pollution in the Earth’s atmosphere is now confronting human civilization with a crisis like no other we have ever encountered.  The climate crisis is, indeed, extremely dangerous, but it also presents unprecedented opportunities.

We are melting virtually all of the mountain glaciers in the world - including those in the Rockies, the Sierras, the Andes, and the Alps…We are beginning to melt - and possibly de-stabilize - the enormous, 10,000 foot thick mound of ice on top of Greenland and the equally enormous mass of ice in West Antarctica, which is propped up precariously against the tops of the islands, poised to slip into the sea.  Either of these massive, land-based ice sheets would, if melted or broke up and slid into the ocean, raise the sea level worldwide by more than 20 feet.

The largest ice mass of all on the planet - East Antarctica - was long thought to still be growing.  Until two months ago, that is, when a new, in-depth scientific survey showed that it, too, may be beginning to melt.” Al Gore, The Moment of Truth

It’s overwhelming. As your average person, I sometimes feel like there’s little more to do than sit around idly and watch.  But there IS something we can do. Here are a few of the people who are doing it.

The Natural Resources Defense Council:

“With the backing of its 1.2 million members and online activists, its $60 million annual budget and its team of top-notch scientists, lawyers, and economists, the Natural Resources Defense Council goes up against those in power who would foul the air, land, and water."(Vanity Fair, 5/06 pg. 181)

These guys got the lead out of gasoline and aerosol ozone-destructive cans nearly extinct. They won federal protection for 100 million acres of Alaskan land, defeated a Senate bill that would have opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, and saved whales from the damaging U.S. Navy sonar systems.  The N.R.D.C. is the Earth’s legal defender.

Actor, Edward Norton: Solar Fanatic

In 2003, “Edward Norton purchased a solar-power system for his Los Angeles home from B.P., the energy giant with the eco-friendly image.  Then he thought of hooking up B.P. with Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable-housing nonprofit founded by his grandfather.  Norton’s idea was this: for ever celebrity who installs a B.P. solar system in his or her home, B.P. could donate another one to a poor L.A. family. The company would generate some nice publicity, the families would get a break on their utility bills, and Southern California would have a bit less stress on its over-extended power grid. 

B.P. agreed to the proposal, and soon celebrities like Don Cheadle and Carlos Santana added panels to their homes.  In its first year, the B.P. Solar Neighbors Program equipped 27 lower-income families with panels.  Fifty more free systems are on the way."(Vanity Fair, 5/06 pg.183)

“The E-GITATORS”:  Graham Hill, treehugger.com ; Jennifer Boulden and Heather Stephenson, idealbite.com ; Laurie David, stopglobalwarming.org ; Chip Giller, grist.org 

“…the electronic dissemination of information and sense of purpose shared online are key to the call-up and formation of battle strategems for the massing armies of earth eco-warriors…some offer a philosophy for living; others are more  like manuals of planet-friendly existence.” (Vanity Fair, 5/06 pg. 189) These sites offer everything from everyday appliances turned eco-friendly to lobbying government officials and pressuring them to take decisive action in Washington. 

There are many, many more people with like-minded goals, doing great and wonderful things to help salvage Mother Earth.  So surf the web, fill out a petition, or email your senator.  When the planet’s plight begins to overwhelm you, remember, you can make a difference and you’re not alone out there! Just take a deep breath, and for those of us without direct access to Capital Hill and energy giants, every little baby step it a leap toward a goal we can all work towards.  No effort, email or phone call is too small when it comes to saving the world!

Namaste,

Dena

P.S.- Got Green?