Taking immediate action to lower carbon emissions is crucial.
Recently, 13 federal agencies warned that climate change will likely have a devastating impact on our lives, including shrinking the economy by hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century. South Carolina, in particular, is threatened with worsening heatwaves, flooding, and reduced air quality.
The good news is that everyday people CAN make a difference and work on climate change solutions. I recently became the chapter leader for Citizens’ Climate Lobby in Greenville so that we can play our part as a city. Volunteering with CCL always leaves me with so much climate hope. Here’s why you should consider getting involved too…
What is CCL?
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a bipartisan nonprofit organization working on climate change solutions. Volunteers in chapters across the US are advocating for legislation to put a gradually rising fee on carbon emissions at the source. The money raised would then be allocated as a dividend to US households. Crucially, it would reduce America’s emissions by 40% in 12 years.
Why a fee and dividend is a great solution…
A gradually rising fee on carbon gives everyone time to make positive changes to cut emissions. Financially, it will be in businesses interests to become more environmentally friendly over time and a universal carbon fee puts everyone on an even footing to make the change. Meanwhile, low-income families (who tend to have lower carbon footprints) will benefit the most from the monthly dividend check.
A bill is already in the house
This is such an exciting time – the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was reintroduced to the house in January! Ted Deutch (D-FL-22) is the chief sponsor and he is joined by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL-3), Francis Rooney (R-FL-19), and Scott Peters (D-CA-52). Across the country, CCL chapters are talking to representatives and senators about the bill and
What does being a volunteer for CCL entail?
We have monthly meetings to listen to a national call, including a guest speaker, and to coordinate action in our districts. It’s really up to you how involved you wish to be, but the many opportunities to participate include:
- Lobbying members of Congress to educate them about a carbon fee and dividend. Through listening and being respectful, we aim to build friendly relationships with our federally elected representatives.
- Media relations. We write letters to the editor and submit op-eds for newspapers on a local and national level. We also talk to editorial boards and work to place stories in all forms of media.
- We work to educate and empower the public about climate solutions and citizen advocacy. We look for tabling opportunities at farmers’ markets, Earth Day events, and other community events to talk to people about their personal power to make a change.
- We make efforts to build partnerships and gain the support of community leaders and non-governmental organizations so that they too will advocate for climate change solutions.
- Super organized people please step this way! We love our uber-efficient volunteers
who can help with the day-to-day running, growth, and management of the chapter.