A few months ago, Toward Zero Waste hosted a speaker on the topic of the book Drawdown. She showed a video clip that stuck with me. It wasn’t even specifically focused on Drawdown (though there are many, look here and here for instance, or just google Project Drawdown) but it confirmed for me some of the work I have been doing, and inspired some changes to the way I am doing my work in the world.

Last week, I had the great opportunity to meet the senior writer for Drawdown, Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, and hear her speak to a group United Methodists focused on church action regarding our environmental crises.  We also heard from Heather McTeer Toney, former EPA Regional Administrator, former mayor of Greenville Mississippi, and current National Field Director of Mom’s Clean Air Force. She was a dynamic speaker who encouraged us to “Be Loud and Share” the message of the climate crisis.

When asked how we can help get the work of Drawdown out and in the hands of folks that can use it, Katharine Wilkinson said, “if it is work that speaks to you, speak about the work”.  She gave examples of municipalities, universities and businesses that have used the data in Drawdown as a strategic framework to evaluate current practices and create climate action plans that are scalable, fiscally responsible and have true impact.  This includes my hometown of Cary, NC whose Environmental Advisory Board recently created a document of recommendations for Town Council based on the research of Project Drawdown.

The work of saving our grandchildren from the effects of a rapidly changing planet needs to happen now and everywhere. Fortunately, are concerned citizens in every municipality across this nation. We may not be able to do much on the federal level, but locally we can be agents of positive change.  With all of us working everywhere, imagine the impact we will have!

I encourage you to watch the short clip below and be inspired to be that change agent in your community.  And if the work speaks to you, be loud, share and speak about the work. I know I’d love to hear what you are doing!