On April 29th, Defend Our Future will join what is expected to be the largest gatherings of climate, environmental justice leaders, community activists and others at the People’s Climate March in Washington, DC and sister rallies across the country and around the globe. This Saturday also marks the 100th day of the Trump administration. From stacking his cabinet with climate skeptics and deniers, to proposing a budget that would gut the Environmental Protection Agency and critical public health protections, the administration has demonstrated a clear disregard for science and the environment to the benefit of polluters and their lobbyists.
In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming trend in which scientific consensus and facts have come under attack. These disturbing attacks are just one of the reasons why this Earth Week is the most consequential of our lifetimes, and why tens of thousands of people kicked off Earth Week by marching to celebrate science and show support for scientists, their work and the important nonpartisan role science plays in decision making at all levels of government.
In cities and in small towns across the country, people are taking action. Even if you aren’t marching this Saturday, there are plenty of ways that you can become involved to make a difference, like going meatless for a day, riding your bicycle to and from work, or committing yourself to recycling. In addition to the personal actions you can take, you can also let your elected representatives know that you expect them to stand up for science and its role in evidence-based decision making.
The EPA and science play an important role in protecting our communities and our planet from pollution and the impacts of climate change. Under Trump’s proposed budget cuts to EPA, the agency’s ability to enforce key public health safeguards like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act – which themselves are under attack from polluters, the administration and some in Congress – will be significantly curtailed. Many of the cuts will disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities.
Congress has the power to ensure that these devastating cuts do not become reality. As a constituent, you can make your voice heard. And as young person, you have the most at stake: your future.
The personal stories about why you support clean air and clean water matter. Defend Our Future makes it easy for you to contact your representatives by email and by phone (this link will take you to the political engagement arm of Defend Our Future). Let them know now how you feel about attacks on science and clean air and clean water safeguards.
On Sunday, with the buses and trains having carried marches home, the movement for action to hold our leaders accountable will continue – because for us, Earth Week is every week. It’s up to us to show up at town halls, make phone calls, write letters to the editor and educate our friends and neighbors on the facts and solutions. So, we ask that you take action now. Together, we will show our elected leaders that there are common-sense solutions to climate change – solutions that are already growing the economy and protecting our health and our planet for future generations.
PS: Let us know if you’re joining us at the People’s Climate March in Washington, DC. We hope to see you there!
