I've got a lot for respect for activists and what they do. I was one, and I like to think this blog is a form of activism. Today I will spare you the call to the barricades but I do want to flag some important programs that are going on and that merit your attention.
First of all, Step It Up. Bill McKibben, a seminal writer on climate change, is leading this nationwide effort in the U.S. His The End of Nature was a clarion call on a par with Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. I have noted his articles in the "NY Review of Books." On April 14 , coming up very fast , the website notes: "There are already 1043 events planned in 50 states across the country!" You can go to the website to get more information, including what events are near you.
The Sierra Club, my environmental activism alma mater, is always in the game. Their Global Warming & Energy webpage has great information and can get you going on taking action. Lobbying at the federal, state and local levels is a terrific endeavor. See if your local group is working on the issue.
Are you in high school or college in the U.S. or Canada? See these folks: The Campus Climate Challenge. They are revved up and working hard and well connected.
Greenpeace is certainly one of the premier international organizations. They are activist with a capital A. Go to their site and find national organizations with which you can work, get really useful information and graphics, and see their "Choosing to take action" option.
Next Generation Earth is an effort of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. The Earth Institute has been very busy indeed in bringing together major stakeholders and forging important strategies and tactics for dealing with climate change.
Not incidentally, please let us know about activist efforts in which you are involved. I have given a mere sampling here. There's an incredible amount of energy and effort around this issue now.
There's an awful lot to be said for this sort of work. It is invigorating, you usually meet some great folks, and you get to save the world.
