Commentary: To Help the Planet, Don’t Wait for Politicians

Source: Todd Myers, Washington Policy Center, September 20, 2019 Todd will be one of our debaters (along with Daniel Malarkey of Sightline) discussing the Snake River dam removal at our Energy Leadership Summit on November 19, 2019.

“The Climate Strike should be an opportunity for students and adults to learn about ways to cut CO2 emissions immediately, rather than waiting for politicians. Here are three opportunities.

“First, strikers should pledge to reduce their CO2 emissions by visiting MyClimatePledge.org. They can learn about the best ways to address climate change.

“Second, anyone can cut their own CO2 footprint to zero by investing in CO2 reduction projects offered by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and many others. This not only helps the planet, research shows that people are more persuasive on climate policy if they’ve already cut their CO2 footprint.

“Third, there are more opportunities than ever to help the planet, many of which are available right on our cell phones. Thousands of people have given up cars and reduced air pollution by using a cell phone to renting a Car2Go. A Nest thermostat can be controlled from your phone and uses artificial intelligence to save energy. Electricity monitors like Sense – which I have in my home – send information to my phone and help show where I am using electricity and where I can save energy.

These technologies help everyone reduce their environmental impact every day, not just September 20th.”

Read the entire commentary here.