As stay at home orders start to ease off and COVID 19 cases level, we may begin to ask questions about the future. What will our world look like after COVID 19? How in the world is the economy ever going to recover? What can we do to right the inequalities of our biased systems? Rather than watching the news about what our elected officials have decided for our future beyond COVID 19, let’s tell them what we want. Today, I challenge each of us to personally contact our elected officials to build back better with climate change solutions, as a part of the recovery from COVID 19.
What is “Build Back Better”?
Build back better is the idea that after a crisis, like a natural disaster or pandemic, to rebuild the physical infrastructure and societal systems to be more resilient and to incorporate methods to reduce the risk of future disasters. All while recovering the livelihoods, economy and environment of those affected.
As countries around the world prepare for recovery after COVID 19, governments have an opportunity to build back better by incorporating climate change solutions into the recovery. Environmental activists, scientists, mayors around the world, the United Nations, and the World Bank all have agreed or endorsed the importance of including climate change solutions with the COVID 19 recovery. This week, over 300 businesses met virtually with members of the U.S. Congress, for the LEAD on Climate2020 event, to advocate for a Build Back Better recovery that includes climate change solutions. Based on a recent survey, the majority of us here in the United States and several other countries also want their government to include a “Green” recovery from COVID 19.
What does a Build Back Better recovery with Climate Change Solutions look like?
Overall, the goal to build back better with climate change solutions is to boost the economy by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable and carbon free energy sources. Below are some of the numerous benefits of investing in climate change solutions.
Benefits of Building Back Better with Climate Change Solutions
- Creating millions of new career-track jobs in diverse fields.
- Prevent air pollution and air pollution related diseases
- Narrowing the inequality gaps by uplifting vulnerable communities
- Saving billions of dollars annually in the long term by addressing climate change sooner rather than later
- Constructing a more resilient society
As COVID 19 has permeated throughout the globe, we have heeded the advice of trusted scientists to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. We have washed our hands, worn face masks, and stayed the flip at home. We, along with our elected officials, need to continue to listen to scientists as we decide how best to build back better.
How do we Contact our Elected Officials to tell them to Build Back Better with Climate Change Solutions?
Below are 7 steps to contacting your elected officials. I would begin with the federal government officials that represent you in the U.S. Congress, your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative, for a wider impact of a build back better recovery. You may also contact your state and local government officials to endorse a build back better closer to home.
Find their Contact Information
Recently, I found this gem of a website that provides the contact information for ALL of our elected officials here in the United States of America. Included are the contact details from the President of the United States all the way to our local elected officials down the street.
Draft Your Message
Once you find out who your elected officials are, draft an email or a script for a phone call. Preparing what you want to say will help you communicate your message effectively and concisely. Do note, often with a phone call you will be speaking with the officials’ staff member, not the elected official themselves.
Do Your Research
Try to find some common ground with your view points, and the view points of the elected person. Tie the similarities to the benefits of building back better with climate change solutions.
Personalize the Message
What does a future with zero carbon emissions mean to you? How has COVID 19 affected you? How will a more resilient society effect you?
Be Civil
Oooh, do I have some opinions on our elected officials these days and I am sure you do too. However, we are all under various levels of stress, including our elected officials. Even in the many topics we may not agree on, we have to find common ground to move forward together.
If applicable, Thank them
If you find something to be thankful for, tell them. Thank them for voting on the different COVID 19 stimulus packages they approved, or for their hard work, or event for their time.
Finally, Do It!
Release your civil email into their inbox. Speak to these officials with collected confidence. Do it!
COVID 19 is unlike anything we have ever experienced. The pandemic has deepened the healthcare, housing, racial, and economic disparities of our society. As we move forward to a future after COVID 19, we have the privilege and responsibility to advocate for a better future for all of us and for our Earth. In the coming days contact your elected officials to build back better with climate change solutions.
