By Ed Smith, Policy Director
Coalition for the Environment
www.moenviron.org
April 22, 2020: Mass Mobilization for Climate Action In Jefferson City
Next year marks 50 years since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. While we’ve made progress on several fronts, human activities remain a threat to ecosystems and the survival of species. Unfortunately, cleaner air and water over the last 50 years has made it all-too-easy to mislead people into thinking that experts disagree on human-caused changes to our environment, from flooding impacts throughout Missouri to our planet’s changing climate. Most people value clean water, clean air, an equitable food system, preservation of public land and protection of species. People overwhelmingly believe in leaving behind a better world for our children. We can support these values if we work together!
The reason lawmakers in Jefferson City are not moving on our shared values is because we are not effectively mobilizing the masses. History tells us that it takes years of collective action to create positive change, from marching to sit-ins to strikes. We will make it so lawmakers have to do something!
Maybe you’ve been impacted by a flood and want to make sure it doesn’t happen again to you and your neighbors. Maybe you haven’t been able to swim at your favorite lake because of e-coli contamination. Maybe drought is impacting your farm. Maybe you think Greta Thunberg or Autumn Peltier are inspirational. Superman isn’t going to save us. We need to be our own superheroes!
Please know that many people tell me they feel nervous about talking to their elected officials. I felt the same way when I started doing what I’m asking you to do now, so it’s entirely understandable if you feel the same way, but engagement is important because I have watched it work within the halls of Jefferson City. Politicians will listen when you tell your story! We are more powerful when we act together and our solutions will work.
Now how will you act? One way is to join Missouri Coalition for the Environment and dozens of our allies in Jefferson City on April 22, 2020 for a mass mobilization on the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Consider this your save the date. Sign-up for email updates at www.moenvironment.org for more information as details develop and to stay engaged on other opportunities to take action next year.
MCE’s website is www.moenvironment.org