2021 saw world leaders convene to discuss the future of our world. After the G20 summit in Rome, Italy, followed by the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, a consensus has finally been agreed upon. However, this global warming solution seems more of a concession. Some of the biggest protesters, namely China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, showed lackadaisical support for the bill. This isn’t a big surprise to any environmental lobbyists, really.
With the devastating effects of climate change becoming ever more visible, our world is slowly burning up, alongside us. The COP26 proposes a global warming solution where all participating countries commit to a minimum of a historic 15% corporate tax rate, the world might see cooler days ahead.
The problem with climate change bills: Will they last?
Already, the US business community was pressuring President Joe Biden about the US’s willingness to participate in this global warming solution, as it would increase their taxes. This poses a valid question: does the US only stay committed as long as President Biden is in power? His successor can easily pull out of the bill at any time – a move that former US President Trump has made during his tenure.
The biggest obstacle that any climate change bill has to overcome is not the panel of world leaders, but the nationalism and politics behind it. This is an uncomfortable truth to examine. As people, we are taught to be patriotic toward our country. That translates into letting our leaders take the commanding role in fighting global warming, while we look on with frustration.
How should the community take action?
Sometimes we underestimate the power of the collective. Instead of waiting for our leaders to fight through politics, we can start harnessing the power of our communities to green the planet. You know, as opposed to growing moss while waiting for environmental bills to be passed.
With hundreds of cities in the US eagerly participating in recent global warming initiatives, give the community you live in a chance to be part of the global warming solution. Here are a few things you can do to rightfully and efficiently harness this untapped power.
1. Start building a platform
The first step for any cause is to find a platform effective enough to spread your words. Unlike in previous decades, it is easier to find or create an environmental group online. Popular social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook allow users to have their community exchange ideas for a shared passion.
Use these platforms to gather like-minded green people like yourself before starting any initiatives. This platform could involve people around the world or the folks in your neighborhood. With a strong and engaging platform, you will have an easier time organizing activities for the environment.
2. Engage your community in climate-related policy-making
Your community can affect important decision-making in your city by making petitions. As the opinion of the majority, petitions with enough signatures are meticulously considered by any city council or administrative agency. This allows you to amend any policies in your city, state, or even country to be more eco-friendly.
You don’t need to be a seasoned lobbyist to gather support for your petition. If you have actual endorsement and participation from an institution or public figure that matters, then you are set! For example, Pope Francis V is a passionate supporter of living sustainably. The influence of his fervent welcome to COP26’s hardest worker, as well as his firm but kind words, was visible on COP26, wasn’t it?
3. Keep the conversation going
It is easy to neglect your community once your initiative gains traction. That, however, will cost you. Try to keep your conversations going by sharing the idea of living sustainably via offline platforms. This widens people’s perspectives on global warming, as well as incites them to find new ways to save the environment.
Going green doesn’t equate to chaining yourself to trees anymore. By encouraging your community to have more open conversations on climate change, you are raising their environmental awareness. These discussions about the environment don’t have to be preachy, sanctimonious, and wordy, either. You can share social media posts about going green, like on our Facebook and Instagram right here.
4. Lead by examples when advocating for your cause
Lead by example when calling for support for your cause. Not only are you doing your part in fighting global warming, but you are also promoting your initiative. By using actual and factual evidence as an example, people will now have an actual example to follow.
This is especially important when it comes to environmental causes. There are still many who are hesitant toward going green because it seems inconvenient. Little do they know, going green is a lot easier done than said. Seeing you going green, like using green energy and recycling, can squash any fear and hesitance they have with ease.
The fight against climate change is an arduous one. People either still think it is a farce by the government, or are too content with their country’s administrative body.
Instead of frustratingly gritting your teeth at the lack of progress, take the fight to your community! If you prefer to build your community online, why not give our climate change solution–Tenere a look?
At Tenere, you can build your community by forming groups with your family, friends, and fellow green fighters. You can the shop to save on purchases and donate them to tree planting. Create your account now and start building your independent tree planting community, linked together via an undying love for shopping.
