For
more than a year now the national media has focused on the extraordinary 2016
presidential election. Of course, they focus largely on the “horse race” or
whatever absolutely outrageous statement a candidate made today. Meanwhile, some
of the most important issues, including the Climate Crisis, are only rarely
covered, and then with little depth. And important down-ballot races get far
less coverage, and questions regarding candidates’ positions on climate change
rarely are raised.
This
is our dilemma. In spite of the fact that Climate Change is an existential
threat; despite the fact that it has gone from something-someday to a present
reality already disrupting millions of lives; despite the fact that thousands
of scientists are telling us that addressing this challenge is the most
important thing our government must do over the next four years, it receives
scant attention.
While
Peaceworks does not endorse, support or oppose candidates, we do educate and take
stands on issues. And it is imperative that the issues that matter most are
brought up during the election season. And Climate Change most definitely is one
of these. So, we’ve summed this up in just two words: “Climate Matters.”
Between
now and Election Day, our Climate Matters campaign will work to better inform
the candidates of our concerns and get them to reveal their intentions
regarding climate change. And, with the participation of our members, we will
raise our concerns in a variety of venues.
The
Climate Matters agenda includes: 1)
Sponsorship or promotion of candidate forums that focus on energy and climate
concerns, as well as general forums where the climate issue can be raised; 2)
Birddogging candidates, going out to their local appearances and asking them to
address the Climate Crisis; 3) Publishing information to let voters know where
the candidates stand on this critical set of issues; 4) Holding Climate
Change-focused informational programs and visible public events, including the
Oct. 16 Walk for the Climate; 5) Encouraging folks to communicate their
concerns directly to candidates, in letters to the editors and via social media.
We need to make it clear that their stand on this issue matters to us as voters.
Join Us—Let Them Know Climate Matters to You.
We
are seeking volunteers who will participate in building this campaign. If
interested, please write to us at mail@midmopeaceworks.org
or call us at 573-875-0539. We are struggling to ensure a livable world for our
children and theirs. This task is urgent and there are many ways to participate.
Please join us in this effort.
