Rev. Reed Acheson ends his July 12 Your View on the climate crisis by noting "it is within our means to meet these challenges if it is within our collective will to do so."
He is spot on in this assessment. It's worth noting, however, Bill McKibben and the climate movement are working to slow the effects of climate change and build a more sustainable, resilient world.
McKibben's organization, 350.org, is uniting citizens in nearly 200 countries to create a public groundswell for a shift away from polluting fossil fuels and toward safer, healthier energy. In an echo of the South African apartheid fight, the movement includes a campaign to encourage divestment from fossil fuels.
A partner organization, Citizens Climate Lobby, encourages federal legislators, including Sens. Casey and Toomey, to rally behind a tax on carbon that, paired with a citizens' rebate, will speed the transition to clean energy.
Rev. Acheson should not doubt that the individuals involved in the climate movement understand the stakes and the gravity of the crisis. But citizens are fighting so hard precisely because a better future is within our reach.
I invite those concerned about climate issues to learn more about the work of 350.org and Citizens Climate Lobby and become part of this crucial, vibrant, and ultimately hopeful, movement.