Climate advocacy in a world careening toward hell

Six days into the latest war on Iran, the specter of violence and death hangs over the world. The chaos of what the United States and Israel have wrought leaves sane observers stammering. What is the purpose? The end game? Is there a strategy beyond Trump "having a feeling" Iran was going to attack the U.S? Beyond Netenyahu's four-decade "yearning" for this moment?

In addition to all its other horrors, war is ecocide. According to an article in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, the previous iteration of this war, the 12 days of attacks by Israel and the U.S. starting June 12, 2025, caused impacts that "may last decades." The Conflict and Environment Observatory warns that, "Gas centrifuges used to enrich uranium to fuel and weapons grade use uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which is highly reactive. If released from storage or centrifuges, and on contact with moisture in the air, it transforms into hydrogen fluoride and uranyl fluoride gas." Add to this the damage caused by massive oil and gas fires, the innumerable pollutants from the use of munitions, the damage to civilian infrastructure and the seas, and much more.

And THAT was a "short" war. Of limited geographic scope. This round is far more uncertain, more widespread, and way more dangerous. And while it may seem heartless to wring one's hands about the climate while people are dying, it is in fact crucial to do so, because an increasingly compromised planet will kill many or most of us in time.

So, there's the war. But that is not all. Insidiously, the United States Project 2025 crew are determined to undermine the ability of the federal government, states, and cities to slow climate change. Trump's EPA has determined that the Clean Air Act does not provide legal authority to regulate carbon dioxide, methane, or other climate-adverse gases. Multiple entities; including health and environmental organizations, states, and industry proponents; are taking the administration to court. However, buoyed by the Trump administration's environmental wrecking ball, some states are following suit with their own anti-climate laws. For example, Florida's House Bill 1217 seeks to prevent cities and municipalities from working toward net-zero emissions, with the rationalization that "it costs too much."

Suffice to say, the current reigning U.S. government and its proxies are uncaring, even hostile, toward the climate. These are hard times for climate advocates. Meetings end with cautions to "take care of yourself, breathe, take some breaks, but don't give up." All good advice. "Don't Give Up" is the most important, long-term.

In the face of deeply disheartening war, policy, and results, every serious climate activist has to look forward. The strategies to create a more climate-friendly world remain much the same as in better times. Among these are:

-Change the system. Run for office. Campaign for climate advocates. Call your elected representatives often. Start local and think big. Don't lose your beliefs as you move forward.

-Use the law. On a personal note, if I were younger, I'd go to law school, and I'd use my status to push for change, whether from a governmental or NGO organization, a court, or a corporation. Probably as a writer, maybe as a legal commentator. Maybe you can use a law degree to fight for the planet. Or support the organizations whose attorneys do that work as well.

-Become a scientist. If you are in college, consider one of the myriad majors that will give you the skills and cred to change society. Alternately, it's never too late to learn more, so that your efforts can make the greatest difference possible. Find online classes, or head to a local university.

-Communicate. Speak to power and speak to the people. Obviously, the powers-that-be must be made to change their ways. There is a remote possibility they will act for the greater good. Maybe it will be because the public has decided to boycott eeverything that is stealing our health and our future. Maybe we will shame them. Or all of the above.

-Protest. Show up. At a No Kings march? Use your sign to remind the world that this government is murdering the planet.

-Work for radical change in business. If you have the persuasion skills, get into a business and change it. Or start one that does climate the right way. Not green washing.

-Do you invest? You know the drill. Put your money where your heart is.

-Donate. Speaking of money, if you are able, contribute to climate change organizations. Consider climate donations as holiday,memorial, or anytime gifts for others.

-Collaborate: There is power and comfort in numbers. Find your tribe, work with it, and expand its reach.

-Be an example. Whether it's foregoing world tours by plane and cruise ship, eating plants, using fewer fossil fuels for personal transportation, creating fewer children, or going off-grid, you, independently, can make a little difference. Most important, by placing the health of the planet at the helm of your decision-making, the way you live your life can influence others in their personal and professional paths. Tell them why you do what you do, even if they aren't excited about hearing it.

Never, never shut up. Talk, write, or sing (!) to people who agree, who disagree, or who would prefer not to think about the planet at all. Be firm, be persuasive, be vocal.

And please, never give up. Climate change is not going away. It is inevitable that more people - even those in power - will have to recognize it. And unless they all fly off to another planet or take residence in bunkers somewhere, they'll have to deal with it like the rest of us.