By Bethany Barry Menkart, Forest Dale
posted
Feb 14, 2013
Dear Editor,
2012 was the warmest year on record. Heatwaves, wildfires,
droughts, typhoons, storms, floods and hurricanes battered
vulnerable countries across the globe. One-third of the world's
population lives in countries with moderate to high water stress;
land degradation affects 1.5 billion people. Ice caps are showing
unprecedented melting, permafrost is thawing, and sea levels are
rising. The "normal" weather that we grew up with exists no longer;
instead the "abnormal" has taken its place.
Hurricane Sandy rampaged the coast of NY and NJ, with billions
of dollars in damage while a water war is being fought in the west
over a river that irrigates agriculture in Colorado, Nebraska and
Kansas; the water level on Lakes Michigan and Huron are at the
lowest level ever recorded, with two-thirds of the US in drought
conditions, impacting food, health and wildlife. Climate change is
here, with a vengeance. And Big Oil and Coal are demanding more
water, for drilling, fracking and mining, while there isn't enough
to sustain humans.
We need to take action NOW! If we do not make changes now, stop
the XL Pipeline, and leave the oil, gas and coal in the ground,
there will be no recognizable future for our children,
grandchildren and future generations.
I am sickened by it all: the corporate bullying and lies, their
brazen fear tactics, and power over democracy through money -
they cannot be allowed to continue their toxic contamination and
exploitation of our food, air, water, humanity and planet. We can
fight back, and we must. We can march, and make our voices
heard.
And if not now, when? If not us, whom? What is the legacy we
want to leave: a dying, toxic planet, filled with cancer,
obesity, war and despair, owned and run by corrupt
corporations?
Or a thriving, healthy, green, peaceful and sustainable
planet?
Join us in the largest climate rally in US history in Washington
DC, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 12-noon - 4 p.m. on the National Mall.
There are buses leaving from Burlington, or you can take the train
from Rutland, Castleton (with three of us from Addison County), or
White River Junction in Vt. or Port Henry, NY, or carpool. Check
out www.350.org for more information.
We need to stand up for our fragile planet, and we need you with
us!
Bethany Barry Menkart, Forest Dale
