We’re talking about a revolution

Gandhi said it best: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Change was the buzzword of 2008, used to transform a nation and lead a political campaign that made history. Now is no time to put the word away; we’re just getting started.

Like many of my generation, I think that no matter how daunting the challenge, no matter how great the transformation required, I can create change. My passion: the environment. My job: climate change co-ordinator for the City of Fredericton. The task is to engage everyone to be agents of change and make choices in their own lives with the environment in mind.

Fredericton’s stated commitment to reach Kyoto targets by the end of 2010 will take co-ordinated effort by individuals, businesses, and community organizations. The challenge is to educate the public about the impact of change on our environment. It may be as simple as changing a light bulb or installing an aerator. Maybe the choice is to build a more sustainable home or to convert your business to solar power. Perhaps the choice is to lobby government or your workplace for more stringent environmental policies.

Venturing into the most critical juncture in our fight against climate change, we have a simple choice: to do something, or not. As a society we can work harder, make more sacrifices and smarter decisions. These may turn our comfortable status quo on its head. Whether or not we are able to turn back climate change, the collective progress made in the attempt is what matters most. Changes in how we choose to act—as individuals, corporations, and governments—will ensure that society can adapt even if it is already too late to completely reverse the effects of climate change.

Change is not easy, but it is necessary. Revolutionary change in how we think, live, travel, work, and govern is needed if we are to set a firm path toward social, environmental, and economic sustainability—as a nation and a planet.

Alycia Morehouse is a 25-year-old member of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century Program and the climate change co-ordinator for the City of Fredericton.