Is the climate changing? Unequivocally yes. The planet is warming and, as we persist with business as usual, the speed of the changes is accelerating. The questions about climate change are simple: What is causing it? What will be the consequences? What should we be doing about it?
If ever there were a moment in human history to practice precautionary principles, this is it. Yet today there are four climate inaction lobbyists in our nation's capitol for every member of Congress and enactment of meaningful legislation to slow and then reverse the trajectory of steadily increasing greenhouse gas emissions is an elusive goal. Though many of our leaders are grappling with the issues with best intent, and constituents in greater numbers are asking for action, the public remains confused and distracted by climate change deniers' expert use of rhetoric. How are denial and messaging slowing critical progress? Let us understand what is occurring, let us face the possible consequences of inaction, and let us be clear about what we must do. Consciousness of the dangers of climate change will move us to demand and to embrace the opportunities present in the solutions.
PRESENTER: Sara Gordon
After becoming a parent in 1992, Sara Gordon turned her attention to learning about the challenges to sustainability, and to teaching and advocating engagement and action. She coordinated K-12 community service and service learning programs while working in land use, planning and conservation. In 2007 she became one of now 3500 trainees of The Climate Project and the Alliance for Climate Protection responsible for presenting climate change science and solutions worldwide to 7.3 million people. Sara is a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Community Resilience and Adaptation Work Group of the New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force. She works in the Conservation Planning department of the Peconic Land Trust and sits on the Board of Directors of Shelter Island's Sylvester Manor Educational Farm. Sara lives in Sag Harbor with her husband Geoffrey, son Sam and Maddy the dog.