So, how do we get from the problem, where we are now, to the vision? How do we cause the change we want to see? These are not small problems. There are lots of moving parts. We plan it out. We do it right. Whatever we do, it has to be good for the climate, economy, and humanity.
“The pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world to create a healthier, more equitable and more prosperous future.” —World Economic Forum
Both systemic change at the level of our institutions and individual change are required. We don’t have to know everything about everything, but we do have to at least understand the systemic change needed so that we can best choose the individual actions that will be most effective.
“We all face real-world challenges and tough choices that complicate the effort to completely decarbonize our lives in a system that is still reliant on fossil fuel infrastructure. We must change that system. Individual efforts to reduce one’s carbon footprint are laudable. But without systemic change, we will not achieve the massive decarbonization of our economy that is necessary to avert catastrophic climate change.” —Mann, Michael E.. The New Climate War (pp. 80-81). Kindle Edition.
In this section we will discuss and provide background on the big picture, or systemic changes that are needed, in science, collaboration, policy and climate equity. A big part of getting through this tunnel depends on what we do as individuals. There are many things we can do on a daily basis, from big to small. Also, we need to make sure our legislators are working towards these things, big and small, putting people first and not for fossil fuel companies. Some of the included science and studies are pretty heavy, but do your best to wrap your head around the big picture.
