Creating wider change
To halt global warming, we have to create change at the community level as well as in our individual lives.
Ultimately, change must spread to the national — and indeed to the global — level.
If millions of like-minded people join together, then governments worldwide will have to take note.
You can be part of this movement for change in many ways.
You could get involved in local action on local issues. You could write to all the political parties and ask for information on their environmental policies. You can contact national or regional governments and the United Nations for information.
Whatever you decide to do, active concern is the key to bringing about action on environmental degradation. Don't keep your worries to yourself — do something positive about them.
Getting involved in campaigning work can be extremely rewarding. If the 1980s go down in history as the decade when we realised the scale of the environmental crisis, the 1990s can be the decade when we recognise the solutions — and start righting the wrongs.
And you are the most important person in this process of change — because it must start with you and with the decisions you, as an individual, make.
So whatever form your actions take, make sure your voice is heard.
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Ask questions |
Asking questions is one of the most effective ways of getting people to think — and of initiating a change for the better. Ask sales staff whether or not the product you are considering buying is environment-friendly. Ask manufacturers about what steps they are taking to reduce the damage to the environment that they are responsible for. Ask politicians why they aren't doing more to protect the environment.
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Write letters |
Never under-estimate the value of letter-writing. Whether it be to a government minister, your political representative, a civil servant, a multinational company, local business, your council, local or national papers, letter-writing is an effective, insistent means of getting your views across to those who are publicly accountable.
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Be active in environmental campaigns or organisations |
If you feel strongly about an issue then take an active part in the local branch of an environmental or conservation organisation. Your library should have a listing of all local groups. Don't think you have nothing to offer — you do! If there isn't a local group, what about starting one?
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Involve organisations to which you already belong |
Suggest that your group invite a speaker on the environment, sponsor tree-planting or undertake a specific project. Caring for nature shouldn't be up to environmental organisations alone — everyone should be involved. Church groups, your clubs, professional organisations and trades unions must all take part if progress is to be made.
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Organise a local campaign |
There's a lot that can be done to combat the greenhouse effect on an individual basis, but there comes a time when it is necessary to get organised. Perhaps a local factory is causing pollution, public transport is inadequate, opportunities for making better use of wasteland are being neglected. Find like-minded people who feel strongly and start a campaign. You don't have to be a professional. It's very easy once you get started and you will be acting on your responsibility as a citizen of the local community — and of the planet.