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Speak Up for The Planet: Eco-Advocacy
Welcome back to Pique Behind the Curtain! Let’s dive into the basics of getting involved in environmental advocacy and the positive impact we can make together.
— Written by Shayna Berglas
Eco-Advocacy 101: Getting Started 📖
Environmental advocacy is, as Reuters writer Jake Spring puts it, “a first amendment right.” While it can be daunting to take the first step, there are tons of small ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started:
Educate yourself: Learn about the environmental issues that matter to you and how you can make an impact. Attend events, read articles, and follow organizations that align with your values (what’s up, our name is Pique 😏).
Find your voice: Speak up for what you believe in and raise awareness in your community. Share articles, videos, and resources with your network and encourage them to get involved.
Take action: Sign petitions (we’ll always share the timely ones here), write letters to elected officials, and participate in local events and rallies. Your actions can make a difference and help drive change.
Advocating for Equitable Solutions ⚖️
Into Action on Giphy
Climate change disproportionately affects low-income and historically marginalized communities. Environmental justice is at the intersection of social justice and environmentalism. It is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Here are some ways you can advocate for it:
Center marginalized voices: Amplify the voices of those most impacted by environmental issues and support organizations that prioritize environmental justice. If it is possible for you, you can donate money directly to groups that support environmental justice or volunteer your time. The most important thing is to make sure that these environmental issues don't get overshadowed by the noise, regardless of the route you choose to take.
Advocate for policy change: Support policies that address environmental injustice, such as clean air and water regulations and climate action plans that prioritize equity. Stay informed about the local environmental issues in your community and make use of local forums. Hold your representatives accountable to their environmental votes!
Take collective action: Join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to advocate for systemic change and hold corporations and governments accountable. Don’t underestimate the power of the boycott and being intentional about where you spend your dollars.
Positive Impact & Celebrating the Wins 🌍
While there is still plenty of work to be done, it's important to celebrate the positive impact we have accomplished in order to recognize what we can continue to accomplish. Here are some recent environmental wins to celebrate:
The Clean Energy for America Act: This legislation, which aims to move the US toward a clean energy future, passed in the Senate with bipartisan support.
The Great Barrier Reef Saved: Australia committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef by phasing out coal and investing in renewable energy.
New Hope for Rainforests: In 2022, the world’s endangered rainforests (and the safeguards of carbon and home to tens of millions of people and 80% of the world’s biodiversity) got two lifesaving boosts. One from the EU ensuring they’ll no longer contribute to deforestation through the sale of goods, and the other from environmental champion Lula da Silva’s appointment as President of Brazil.
We’re here to help you feel empowered to take action for the planet. Remember, even small actions can make a big impact.
Until next time, keep advocating for a healthier and more sustainable planet!
What We’re Watching 🎥, Reading 📚, and Listening to 🎧
Searching for more positive and informative climate content? Look no further!
In Case You Missed It 🔍
Join us in San Francisco, April 17-23, to connect, collaborate, and accelerate climate solutions together at SF Climate Week! The week-long series of events gathers thousands of organizations and individuals working at the intersection of climate action and innovation to connect, collaborate, and accelerate solutions together. Register to attend.