Although I live only a few short hours from New York City, a trip to New York this weekend just isn't in the cards. I'll be sticking close to Boston as thousands of people join forces for The People's Climate March this Sunday, September 21. It's being dubbed the "largest climate march in history" by organizers, and it has the potential to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of New York City.
Unfortunately, I won't be one of them. Like many, I want to be there, but for one reason or another can't make it happen. Thankfully, we are so fortunate to live in a world where we no longer have to be physically present to have a big impact. The internet and technology make all of this possible. So on Sunday, while so many amazing people find themselves physically marching in support of a climate crisis I so desperately want to stop, I'll be following along, sharing and adding to the experience virtually.
Why I Care
My family is unique and yet like so many other families. Every day I celebrate my three boys, since without them I couldn't wear my treasured "mother" hat. Creating our family didn't come easily. We were forced, as many are, to place a tremendous amount of thought into whether or not we wanted to bring children into this world. Infertility will do that to you. We made a conscious decision to start a family and found our way through both adoption and natural childbirth.
Now, here we are --14, 12 and 10 years after making that difficult decision to bring life into this world. A world which my boys will soon inherit, along with a climate that's spiraling out of control right before our very eyes.
- Temperatures have exceeded global averages for 36 consecutive years.
- The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by 25 percent since 1958.
- Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.
It is implausible to imagine saddling the children of today with the world as it presently exists. Something must be done to repair our planet, and it must be done quickly.
As people flood the streets of New York City this Sunday, September 21, for the People's Climate March, I'll be marching along in spirit, doing my part from afar to show I care deeply about this issue (these are things you can do, too).
- I'll use my voice on social media to share information and spread the words of the march participants, using the hashtag #PeoplesClimate.
- I'll continue writing about the climate crisis we're all facing.
- I'll share photos and create banners with the words: 'Action, Not Words: .....!' (add your local, national, or regional demand in dotted area at the end). Photos can be submitted by social media share using the #PeoplesClimate hashtag or HERE.
- I'll continue to talk, create discussion and share perspective with friends, neighbors and colleagues on the issues surrounding climate change.
My boys are starting to understand the complexities of our world, but they are too young to have a voice -- or a voice that will be heard and make an impact. As parents, it is our job to advocate for our children and protect them from injustice. The People's Climate March is a perfect opportunity to be a voice among many, stepping up to the plate to make the world a better place for us all.
Will you join me?
This blog post is part of the #WhyICare blog series, curated by the editors of HuffPost Generation Change in recognition of the People's Climate March in New York City on September 21, 2014. To see all the other posts in the series, click here.
Join the conversation on Twitter and tell us why you care about the climate crisis with the hashtags #WhyICare and #PCM. For more information about the People's Climate March, click here.