Explore the connection between climate change and the 2024 presidential election, and get a list of ways to make your voice heard for the future of the planet.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues in the 2024 presidential election and beyond. This article explores ways you can take action and address the critical challenge of climate change on any day.
With polarized opinions and rampant misinformation, it’s essential for every voter to have access to facts about climate change and learn how to engage in the conversation beyond the polls.
1. Debunk harmful myths about climate change.
Misinformation about climate change is pervasive in today’s public discourse, often muddying easy understanding and impeding meaningful action. As myths circulate, they distract people from the urgent realities we face. This misinformation not only influences public opinion but also shapes policy decisions, making it essential for individuals to engage with accurate information and challenge these harmful narratives.
Right now, for example, misinformation surrounding climate change is intensifying in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, where false rumors about FEMA aid and response efforts can mislead communities and hinder effective recovery. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of such events, the spread of false information not only complicates disaster response but also perpetuates misconceptions about the realities and urgency of climate action, ultimately leaving real climate change survivors without the critical support they need.
Below are three common myths about climate change, followed by the facts:
Myth #1: Climate change is a hoax.
Fact: The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that climate change is happening and is largely driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.
Myth #2: Renewable energy is too expensive and unreliable.
Fact: The cost of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, has plummeted over the past decade. In many regions, they are now the most affordable sources of electricity and are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Myth #3: Nothing can be done about climate change.
Fact: While climate change poses significant challenges, it is not too late and there is a great deal that can be done. Individuals, communities, and governments can implement changes to reduce emissions, invest in renewable energy, safeguard important ecological zones, steward the land more responsibly, and promote sustainable practices. You can even make sustainable changes in your daily life with this list of 50 ways to lower your carbon footprint.
For more in-depth information on debunking these myths, explore our extensive library of articles about climate solutions and perspectives from around the world, and seek out reputable environmental sources or organizations, such as the United Nations.
2. Get involved with advocacy, education, and ecological restoration.
Your voice matters and it has the power to make a real difference in fighting climate change and promoting sustainable communities.
Here are some creative ways to participate in climate work:
- Learn from a diverse network of climate activists: Engage with a broad spectrum of voices in the climate movement, including ecologists, scientists, Indigenous activists, and grassroots organizers. Attend talks, webinars, or panel discussions featuring diverse perspectives on climate change. By understanding the varied experiences and knowledge of these activists, you can gain insights into effective strategies for advocacy and solutions.
- Get involved in local ecological restoration projects: Participate in local ecological restoration initiatives, such as tree planting, wetland restoration, or habitat recovery. These hands-on projects not only help balance local ecosystems but also foster community engagement and education. Working alongside local environmental groups can deepen your understanding of the ecosystem and its challenges while contributing to a healthier environment.
- Host or join climate storytelling events: Host a simple gathering in your neighborhood that focuses on practical actions everyone can take to combat climate change. Create a welcoming environment where friends, families, and neighbors can come together to learn and share their ideas. Maybe a grandparent recalls the lush landscapes of their youth, while younger attendees share their worries alongside ideas for the future. These narratives can help everyone appreciate how climate change has shaped lives differently and inspire practical pathways for community action. Invite local environmental groups or storytellers to guide the conversation, or simply create a safe space for neighbors to voice their thoughts.
- Make sustainable changes in your life: Explore practical, sustainable changes you can implement in your own home to reduce your impact on the environment and lower your carbon footprint. Check out this resource for a list of 50 ways to lower your carbon footprint.
3. Be a bridge: Donate to organizations fighting climate change this election cycle.
Donating to climate-focused organizations is the fuel that advocacy efforts, community initiatives, and the voices of those fighting for environmental justice need to carry on their missions. Whether it’s funding renewable energy projects or providing education on sustainability practices, your contributions can make a difference.
Here are seven trusted organizations supporting climate action in the U.S. that you can support during the 2024 election cycle:
1. Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a nonpartisan policy organization that provides science-based educational resources on climate change and energy solutions to policymakers and the public. Their goal is to promote equitable federal climate investments and document success stories to inspire further action toward a sustainable and resilient society.
2. Green Map NYC focuses on climate justice through local action projects and community engagement, leveraging its open-source mapping platform to empower residents and nonprofits in building a climate-smart future while addressing the unique vulnerabilities of New York City.
3. Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) is dedicated to cleaning and protecting marine ecosystems, focusing on the removal of harmful man-made debris that threatens ocean wildlife and habitats that are at heightened risk due to climate change. By mobilizing volunteers to retrieve tons of trash, fishing lines, and ghost nets from the waters of California and Hawaii, ODA fosters healthier oceans where wildlife can thrive and ecosystems can be resilient.
4. The Green Mountain Conservancy (GMC) works diligently to protect Vermont’s wilderness by conserving key areas to safeguard biodiversity, wildlife habitats, clean water, and carbon sequestration. By acquiring and maintaining these lands, GMC aims to enhance resilience against climate change and ensure that Vermont’s natural beauty and ecosystems endure for future generations.
5. Earth Guardians is an intergenerational organization that trains diverse youth to be effective leaders in climate and social justice movements across the globe using art, music, storytelling, civic engagement, and legal action.
6. We Are Neutral focuses on carbon reduction and offset projects to mitigate climate change impacts by sequestering carbon dioxide and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By restoring balance to the carbon cycle, this initiative not only protects vulnerable communities and ecosystems but also promotes environmental resilience, aiming to prevent or sequester 1,200 tons of carbon emissions for a healthier planet.
7. Fruit Tree Planting Foundation aims to repopulate Hawaii with native and tropical fruit trees. By establishing nurseries, edible food forests, and horticultural training centers, the environmental action nonprofit feeds local families and contributes to climate action by fostering biodiversity and community resilience in the face of climate change.
Donating to organizations that align with your values not only supports their essential work but also sends a powerful message to policymakers about the urgency of addressing climate change and the vital role individuals can play in creating a sustainable future.
Make a donation today to support climate action this election season and beyond.
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Featured Photo: Nature Solutions for Community Development by Corcovado Foundation
