There is a Massive Social Movement afoot, and it started with a child, a child who sat on the steps in front of Parliament in her native Sweden with a sign demanding climate action. And she sat and she sat and she sat.
Three days ago Greta Thunberg testified before the U.S. Congress where she said:
I don’t want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists. And I want you to unite behind the science. And then I want you to take action.
Yesterday, as many as four million people around the world protested on behalf of a cleaner, greener world. If a 16-year old can cause this kind of stir, imagine what we can all do together.
I’m sure you’ve already read the headlines, but if not, read here and here and here and here, for starters.
Also, a little something to remember:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead, American Scientist
Now go out there and do something to make the world a kinder, gentler, less climate-challenged place. Whether it’s walking instead of driving, taking one less bag, planting a tree or a garden, eating one less steak or shutting off the tap when you brush your teeth. No offering or action is too small. Oh, and call you politicians and demand that they do something, too. They’ve got the power of the purse.
Our house is on fire and it will take all of us to help put it out. On behalf of the planet, thank you in advance.
pam lazos 9.21.19
Impressive!Thanks for the post.
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Thanks for reading. 🙏
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And to spin your fire analogy around: Greta’s spark is starting a new kind of fire, one we don’t want to put out. 🙂 xxxxxx
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Yeah, baby!😎👏
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Thank you Pam for putting a fire under us. Everything and anything we all can do will make a difference. xo
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Let’s hope so, Michele. The scientific reports are getting direr, but I believe in miracles. :0)
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People leave the tap on when they brush their teeth? My parents would have had my hide if I did that. Waste not, want not. I grew up with that refrain, and it’s served me well. Also, more to the point here, I love Greta. Have you seen the mock red Trumpian-esque hats that say: Make America Greta Again?
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Oh my gosh, Ally, I need one of those hats!! Also, same in the teeth brushing. And I remember the energy crisis and turning the thermostat down and only being able to get gas every other day! People don’t want to ever think about living with less but someday they may have to because it might all be gone. 😞
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Lovely post. It’s so good to hear the debate.
It’s made me think about how many of us have a space where we could plant a tree, maybe just a small one…
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Every bit helps, Cath. 😘
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Thanks Pam. Greta is forceful and fearless. She speaks without guile or any personal agenda. We can’t fail to admire her and heed her impassioned call. We can each do our bit in our own sphere of influence. Refuse anything wrapped in plastic. Do not litter. Be mindful of wasting water and of our precious resources. Be aware. Thank you and have a great week! 🙂
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You, too, my friend. 😘🙏
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Hi Pam – I have to agree with Jacqui – but Greta is certainly courageous … and she’s got us all thinking – if only we’d all think and do … take care – cheers Hilary
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Yes, think and improve. 🤓
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Great video, bottom line we all need to do something for the environment. 🙂
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Yes, so true!! Thank you for commenting. (somehow I missed this the first time around.) Have a great day!
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Greta is an inspiration as are the high schoolers who took to the street yesterday. It is the one thing that makes us hopeful during this otherwise dark time in the U.S.
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Yes, Ken, hope. A glimmer that can turn into a ray and then who knows?! 😘
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I think it was Max Planck who said ‘science advances one death at a time’ I wonder if it applies to political advances too. Greta Thunberg will, I hope, be remembered as the child who woke up a planet. Excellent post Pam!
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Oh gosh, I really hope so, Pauline. Someone has to! ❤️😘
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Wonderful xxxxxxx
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❤️🥰😍
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It does bother me that so much of what she did–albeit eloquently said–was just for show. She burned more carbon in plane trips between locations than she would have just flying direct. And her boat–no one could reproduce that. I’d love to see ordinary people start walking places instead of driving. For a start.
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I don’t know that it was all for show, Jacqui. She skipped school for weeks to protest until her own country took notice and while the boat she used to get to the US isn’t something normal people might use, it was rudimentary with no plumbing or electricity so she was definitely roughing it. I also think that some of these things like plane travel are not going away, they just need to be improved from a carbon footprint standpoint. I mean, to say I’d never go to another country again because of the high carbon footprint associated with flying is a huge stretch. 😊
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I do see her as dedicated which is commendable at the age of 16.
I like your point about the affect plane travel has on the world’s carbon footprint. I think more should think like you do but too often (and I’m thinking of a whole bunch of Hollywood stars and politicians), they say not do.
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I just think of what I was doing at 16. Heck, I couldn’t do what she’s doing now!
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