There is no beauty in climate change

Every time I write a post, I put the word beauty in the title. This blog is about finding beauty in whatever form it may take, so bringing the theme of what it is I write about seems fitting. While I managed to get "beauty" in this time, you'll note it is prefaced by the word "no." I just can't find any beauty in climate change right now.

On April 29th, I went to the People's Climate March in Washington, DC, which was held to protest the current administration's attacks on the environment, including the recent slew of budget cuts in the E.P.A. More than 150,000 people from all over the country attended, exceeding the estimated 100,000 turn out by the National State Park officials.

The purpose of the March was to pressure our nation's leaders to act on climate change as opposed to dismissing it, or denying it, which seems to be more of the case in the current administration. It was well organized and timely, marking President Trump's 100th day in office, however, he was not in Washington, but rather at his home in Mar a Lago, FL-- a trip that costs taxpayers an estimated 3 million dollars per visit. Should this weekend getaway habit continue, it could easily result in the highest amount a president has ever accumulated for vacation time.  (http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-s-mar-lago-travel-triggers-cost-ethics-concerns-n743541) 

The dominant message was loud and clear: Our environment needs help; we need to repair and create workable solutions to protect our planet NOW--and it cannot come fast enough. Laws already in place are in danger of being revoked and environmental anything is at risk of being cut, just ask the new E.P.A. Administrator, Scott Pruitt.

But there was a revolution in the air that day and thankfully, the creators of the world--the artists, designers, writers, thinkers, architects, scientists, environmentalists, community activists, parents, farmers and small business owners all came together for several hours to create some positive and inspiring messages of hope. Thousands of thought provoking signs flooded the march, a reminder of the perseverance and ingenuity of the human spirit where a powerful narrative always manages to elicit new solutions.

The good news is there are many more fighting on the right side of the environment than not. Communities are coming together all over the world out of a need and desire to protect and honor the earth. Whether it's an urban tree planting, introducing legislation to eradicate plastic shopping bags, cleaning up a local stream or contacting your local State Senator or House of Representatives (PLEASE DO THIS) to support environmental bills or just to complain about cuts, the most important thing any of us can do is to get involved. Organizations such as 350.org: https://350.org/ Greenpeace: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/getinvolved/ and More than Scientists: http://morethanscientists.org/get-involved/ are great resources on how you can help.

The message remains the same in any protest--we are stronger when we collaborate. Mass mobilizations create change. And slowing down climate change IS possible if we take the giant first step so many refuse to do: admit we have a major problem and our world's health is in crisis.

As I left the march and got into my car, I found myself feeling unusually calm and optimistic. Being engulfed in a sea of thousands of like minded souls made me remember I am but one of many who are willing to fight for solutions to protect the only environment we will ever know. That day, I managed to find hope in a vast crowd of passionate earth worshipers whose idea of change was, well... not so neglected, but rather... quite beautiful.

All photos by C.A. Langrall, April 29, 2017. Washington, DC.