On the eve of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, Kent Buse and colleagues argue that the health of people and planet can only be rescued through government led, structural transformations—but for that to happen we need to re-frame the narrative When delegates meet this week to discuss fragile progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, they do so against a bleak backdrop. The line that “climate change is the biggest health challenge of the 21st century” is an understatement. Climate change is not only a challenge to health, but to human development—and even survival.1 The evidence on climate change is indisputable. Ecosystem deterioration already affects more than 40% of the global population, and the climate crisis displaces 20 million people each year. People in low- and middle-income countries, who have contributed the least to global heating, are the most affected.2 Despite the enormity of the challenge, solutions to address the climate crisis are presently framed in terms of personal responsibility; …

This is why I say politics matters more than individual action.

Yes, changing the lightbulbs in your house from incandescent to LED is great but it’s just a drop in the bucket. Politicians can mandate energy efficient bulbs for everyone as an example, at scale this makes a huge difference.

We all have 24 hours in a day and a lot less of that is free-time, use it to contact your politicians and urge other people to do that.

I really hope after reading this post that you’ll consider sending an email, calling or faxing at-least one politician. Your message can be really simple.

For example this could be your message:

Dear (politician),

I’m really worried about the effects on climate change. I believe it’s hurting the economy much more than the cost of transitioning to renewable energy such as solar and wind. I’m calling for ending subsidies for fossil fuel companies and a faster transition to renewable energy.

Thank you so much for your consideration,
(Your name)

See that wasn’t so hard was it? Sending an email could take just minutes a day and you’re message could have a huge impact.

  • hash@slrpnk.netEnglish
    3·
    4 days ago

    Thank you for laying out the argument so well. It massively frustrates me when people point to corporations “carbon footprint” campaigns and argue that all the change needs to come from them. They hold massive blame, but if you let yourself imagine it’s only corporations fault you won’t be prepared to make changes when they’re necessary.