Ask Umbra: Got time?

Advice on effective environmental activism

Q. Dear Umbra,

If an environmentalist has about six hours per week to devote to activism, what should the person do to make the biggest, most positive impact? Some people (like myself) think that climate protection is a key leverage point — but is it? If yes, why, and what is the best way activists can help protect the climate? (And what’s a leverage point anyway?)

Ann
Graton, Calif.
A. Dearest Ann,

Such a good question, and so important that I asked a real expert about it. Dr. Allen Hershkowitz is a senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as a contributor to and avid reader of Grist. He doesn’t look particularly old despite his senior status and I think his mind is still clear enough that his suggestions can be taken seriously.

Dr. Allen put his suggestions in two categories: urban and non-urban. In urban areas, he suggests prioritizing “transportation alternatives,” which is the environmental movement’s attempt to come up with a politically neutral way to say “getting rid of cars.” Join your local transportation-alternatives coalition or form one if necessary, and work toward building funding and support for public transit and non-motorized traffic. That’s a climate-protection initiative if I’ve ever heard one. Forming a coalition may seem daunting, so don’t start until you’ve phoned a few existing coalitions, perhaps in politically or demographically similar municipalities. (You can search on the web for good candidates.) Not only will they have useful tips about how to start, but they’ll give you pep talks and a feeling of camaraderie.

WorkingForChange