What will you tell them?

Imagine you’re sitting with your grandchildren 30 years from now. Forest fires are raging outside, threatening their house and requiring them to habitually evacuate to yours. One of the grandchildren is suffering from debilitating asthma, a direct result of long-term exposure to the carbon and smoke breathed in from the fire’s fumes. They ask you, “What did you do 30 years ago to stop climate change?”

You answer, dejected and embarrassed, “Sorry honey, I was busy vacationing down in a tropical location with a nice climate. I didn’t think it was important because it didn’t affect me personally.”

Now imagine a different scenario: You are sitting with your grandchildren. Yes, temperatures are more extreme, but outside carbon reduction technologies have mitigated their worst effects. Local areas are subject to flooding, but levies and other flood reduction measures have been built as a result of government investment in the region. Your grandchildren ask you what you did, you respond, “I was on the right side of history honey, I acted when it mattered and supported legislation to stop the worst devastation and ensure you have a healthy life.” The choice is yours. Call your representative to support the Green New Deal.

Zachary Reshovsky

Seattle