It’s Time to Change the
Climate of Congress:
The Power of Civic Participation in a Sustainable Future
By Matthew Cherfane; Edited by Hayley L. Bricker
Consensus: a rare commodity in the scientific community. But when the topic is climate change, the presence of it is rather overwhelming. Scientists across the globe agree that human-driven climate change is a pressing reality, so why does such a significant portion of the United State’s Legislature continue to deny it (Center for American Progress). The short answer: the workings of campaign finance and the interests of Big Oil, but the solution is just as clear — harnessing the power of civic participation to drive systemic change.
At the forefront of this movement stands the younger generations, Millennials and Gen-Z, who must inherit a world grappling with natural disasters to dwindling biodiversity. While individual actions such as supporting nonprofit climate organizations and reducing our carbon footprints are valuable efforts, long-term and significant change must come from the top down in the form of national policies and regulations. Without systemic change, the impact of any grassroot initiatives and sustainable alternatives will be limited. In fact, in a 2021 study, Campbell and his collaborators argued that systemic change begins with electing congressional representatives who acknowledge the reality of climate change and are committed to addressing it.
The path to a sustainable future involves replacing climate change deniers in Congress with leaders who prioritize environmental issues. Politicians often prioritize their interests and future re-elections, but voters can shift this dynamic by making climate change a top priority. By broadening our voting behaviors and supporting leaders committed to sustainable legislation, we can drive significant progress. This may require sacrificing short-term financial benefits, but the long-term gains for the planet and future generations are invaluable.
Educating and convincing the electorate, especially younger voters, of the urgency of climate change is crucial. Environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating social inequalities according to a study in 2015. Policies addressing climate change must also consider social justice, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected and supported. This environmental injustice underscores the need for policies that address both climate change and social inequality such as the Climate Change Education Act (S.4117) and protecting California’s SB1137 in the upcoming referendum vote.
Recognizing the intersection of climate justice and social inequality is vital, but we must also address the emotional toll of the climate crisis. According to Professor Maria Ojala, eco-anxiety, which is the chronic fear of environmental doom, is increasingly prevalent among young people. While this anxiety can be paralyzing, it also has the potential to mobilize individuals towards collective action similar to the recent emotionally driven protests concerned with police brutality, racial biases during the pandemic, and the war in Gaza. Recognizing eco-anxiety as a legitimate response to the climate crisis allows us to channel this energy into meaningful political engagement and advocacy. This emotional drive can inspire young voters to participate in elections, support sustainable policies, and hold leaders accountable for their environmental impact.
Successful international examples of political action, such as the Draft Rule of Procedure for Environmental Cases in the Philippines, demonstrate the power of legal frameworks in protecting the environment and the necessity of youth-involvement (Georgia, India, Panama). By drawing inspiration from global initiatives and advocating for policies that prioritize sustainability, we can drive meaningful change at home.
The urgency of the climate crisis is clear. The 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underscores the need for immediate action to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. The report highlights the rapid rise in global temperatures and the devastating impacts on weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, immediate and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are essential.
By exercising our right to vote and holding our elected officials accountable, we can replace climate deniers with leaders who prioritize the environment. The stakes are too high to maintain the status quo. By reshaping the climate of our Congress, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Our planet and future generations depend on the actions we take today.
