Rural Climate Action
I am a Catholic man working on the climate crisis during my “retirement.” I Co-Counsel almost daily to keep thinking as clearly as possible and to make plans. Co-Counseling support groups, classes, international gatherings, and updated information about the climate have been a great gift. I am proud of RC for its excellent leadership.
I live in rural upstate New York, USA. We are facing tornados and other radical shifts in the weather, flooding, ticks, invasive species, and loss of trees. This summer has been particularly cold and wet. Farmers suffer the most from such conditions.
I’ve been on the steering committee of the United Climate Action Network (UCAN). We have developed task forces, each taking on [taking responsibility for] a different aspect of the climate crisis. Each has a leader and a team of volunteers. My role is to support the leaders. The following are the task forces:
Agriculture—which addresses soil health. They help farmers learn how to improve their soil, so it holds more carbon from the atmosphere.
Water—which focuses on the health of our local lakes and ponds. They work with landowners and local authorities to prevent run-off into the water that promotes invasive species, like milfoil weed.
Youth—which has taken on the local high school’s recycling program. Led by students, with support people, they have launched an education and awareness project.
Trees—which has planted over 220 trees in a local art park. They, along with the Oneida Nation and the Art Park, held a celebration of trees at the end of the planting—with speeches, music, Native dancing, and ceremonies. It was a great collaboration of artists, activists, educators, and Native people.
Recycling—which has led educational programs on what is and is not recyclable. For example, they learned that even dirty pizza boxes can be recycled and launched a campaign with pizza shops and the public. They are also taking on the excessive use of plastics.
Renewable Energy—which promotes solar energy in homes and talks with local governments to create policies for easier access to home solar.
Advocacy—which joins with towns across New York to fund climate legislation that supports resources for poor communities, renewable energy, resiliency programs, and more. They attend local town meetings to promote conservation, economic development, and alternatives to fossil fuels.
Cazenovia, New York, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders in care of the environment
(Present Time 205, October 2021)