Couch, Climate Activism & Covid-19

Thank you for creating and sharing this Olivia Gieger! Olivia is a Wellesley High School graduate now working in Amherst College's Office of Environmental Sustainability.

In the midst of a global crisis, those of us who can stay at home, need to. But, it's hard to sit idly by as the nation grapples with a crisis of colossal scale and as another awaits on our doorstep. There are  ways you can stay engaged and active on climate, from your couch or kitchen table. Now is as good a time as ever to pick up the phone, write an email, and start a conversation about climate. 

Show your support for the Green New Deal
Whether it's posting on social media, talking with friends and family, or asking questions, give the GND some buzz and keep it on people's minds; Check out the Sunrise Movement's comprehensive guide, and sign up to phone bank for candidates who champion the GND.

& take some time to read up on the GND
Through this pandemic, we've seen how our social safety nets have failed the people who need them the most and those who have been marginalized throughout U.S. history, The GND gives us the opportunity to make sure this doesn't happen with the next crisis we face (climate change).

Write to Congress about Carbon Pricing
The Citizen's Climate Lobby helps direct you: enter your zip code and they'll find your representatives and give you background on current bills, like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

Check our where your state is Carbon Pricing
Right now, the most promising breakthroughs on climate come from the local level. See what's up for consideration in your state, and make calls where you can.

Northeasterners: Tell your Governor that you care about TCI
TCI is a network of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to put a cap on transportation emissions. Write or call your state's governor to encourage this network.

MA Voters: Call your representative for state carbon pricing
This helpful site asks you to enter your zip code, then finds your reps, and gives you a guide for calling their offices on essential carbon pricing bills

Take some time to remember why this all matters
These are trying times, across the board. Don't bear the burden of solving climate change on your back. If you can, get outside for a walk in your neighborhood or parks near you and think about the space you inhabit and what it means to protect it.

Also, remember that this isn’t a partisan issue! 
If you’re in favor of climate action but don’t support Democrats’ proposals, engage with these issues through any of the Republican-led approaches to a carbon tax and climate responsibility, like S4CD, a student-driven case for carbon dividends.