Harvard faces the same climate challenges as the world over. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems pose a threat not just to our planet but to our local community. As a resident in Harvard, you have the power to be a force for positive change. This column outlines various actions you can take within our community, the state, and the broader landscape to make a difference. Remember, individual acts, collectively, can spark significant change.
Cultivating change in our backyard
Embrace energy efficiency. Start by reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Conduct a home energy audit through Mass Save and implement their recommendations. Invest in energy-efficient appliances, seal air leaks, and consider switching to renewable energy options like solar panels. Consider purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle. The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee offers resources on these topics including financial assistance programs.
Support sustainable practices. Shop at farmers’ markets and local businesses that prioritize sustainability. Opt for reusable bags, compost food scraps, and reduce your reliance on single-use plastics. Explore community gardens and farming initiatives to learn about sustainable food production.
Advocate for change. Join the Harvard Climate Initiative Committee and contribute your ideas and skills. Attend community meetings and voice your concerns about climate action. Encourage local businesses and organizations to adopt sustainable practices.
Educate and empower others. Participate in Harvard Climate Initiative Committee community events, workshops, and discussions on climate change. Share resources and knowledge with your neighbors, friends, and family. Encourage others to take action and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Amplifying your voice on Beacon Hill
Stay informed. Subscribe to the Massachusetts Climate Action Network newsletter for updates on state climate legislation and opportunities to get involved.
Contact our elected officials. Write letters, make calls, and attend meetings with our state representatives and senators. Express your support for climate-friendly policies and hold them accountable for their actions.
Participate in public hearings and rallies. Attend public hearings on proposed climate legislation and voice your opinion. Join rallies and demonstrations organized by Mass. Climate Action Network and other environmental organizations to show your support for climate action.
Support climate-friendly candidates. Research candidates’ stances on climate change and vote for those who prioritize sustainable solutions. Encourage others to do the same. Place a Harvard Climate Initiative Committee “Going Green” flag on your property.
Joining a global movement
Engage with national organizations. Connect with national environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council or the Sierra Club. Donate, volunteer, and participate in their campaigns.
Contact our federal representatives. Write letters, make calls, and attend virtual town halls with our senators and representatives in Congress. Advocate for national climate policies like carbon pricing and clean energy investments.
Support national climate initiatives. Contribute to organizations like the Climate Reality Project or the Sunrise Movement that are working to build a national climate movement.
Support climate-friendly businesses and products. Choose brands committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Advocate for stronger national regulations on climate change and corporate accountability.
Stay informed and spread awareness. Follow credible sources like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and reputable news outlets for accurate information on climate change. Share this information with your network and encourage others to get involved.
Support international climate action. Advocate for international cooperation on climate change through organizations like the U.N. Environment Programme. Stay informed about international climate negotiations and raise awareness about global efforts.
Collective impact for change
Remember, climate action isn’t just about individual efforts; it’s about collective power. Build alliances with like-minded individuals, community groups, and organizations. Together, you can amplify your voice and create a more significant impact.
Every action, big or small, contributes to the bigger picture. By taking initiative, advocating for change, and collaborating with others, you can make a real difference in the fight against climate change. Help Harvard become a beacon of hope and action, inspiring others to join the movement for a sustainable future.
For more information
Harvard Climate Initiative Committee, www.harvard-ma.gov/harvard-climate-initiative-committee
Massachusetts Climate Action Network, www.massclimateaction.org
Mass Save, www.masssave.com
Natural Resources Defense Council, www.nrdc.org
Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org
Climate Reality Project, www.climaterealityproject.org
Sunrise Movement, www.sunrisemovement.org
Rich Marcello is a novelist and a member of the Climate Initiative Committee. In writing his latest novel, “The Means of Keeping,” he spent several years researching the climate crisis.
