Even though the climate crisis we are facing has been heavily politicized, it is not a political issue. It just is. Already we are having extreme storms, floods, droughts and fires and migrations. Already the sea levels are rising, islands are disappearing, the oceans are becoming acidic and salinity is threatening fresh water supplies. Washington’s oyster industry has already been disrupted. The war in Syria began as farmers were forced into cities because of extended drought.

When we call something a “political issue,” it allows us to either debate it or put it aside, dismiss it. But this is actually happening, however we might feel about it. And it is happening to all of us, dramatically changing the only world we have.

We already have the technology to arrest the climate threat within a few years. The only thing that is stopping us is “us”… old ways of thinking, old ways of hating.

We have the opportunity to all join together in a united effort to preserve the one home we all share and will leave for our children.

Let us consider the moral courage and commitment of the candidates running for office. Will they speak out, and call for action on this most serious situation?

– Bonnie Lawlor