Vote Climate! 3 Ways to Help Climate Leaders Win

When it comes to helping reverse global warming, every little bit helps, but not all actions are equal. Voting for climate leaders and, even more so, encouraging others you know to do the same are some of those things that have an outsized impact.

The IPCC report that came out in 2018 was clear. We have no time to lose on fixing this issue. We're way behind where we need to be and, quite frankly, if we don't figure this one out in time - what else really matters?

“The next few years are probably the most important in our history.” - Debra Roberts, IPCC

That is why these elections really, really matter. We have to get on the right track as soon as possible. Government officials have the power to make large-scale, systemic changes. This means that we need government officials who not only believe climate change is real and that it should be addressed, but that we have people who are actually going to lead on this issue. Anything else is unacceptable at this point if we want to live in a safe, healthy, and prosperous world.

With that being said, here are three things you can do to help get climate leaders elected on Tuesday:

1. Do your research.

Where does each of your candidates stand on climate change?

Who will be more aggressive in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate effects?

Here are some scorecards and comparisons of the candidates from leading organizations:

• Data for Progress
• Greenpeace
• Grist's "My Climate Candidate"
• Sunrise Movement scorecard

And again, keep in mind the magnitude of climate change.

There are a lot of important issues out there, but climate change is easily the biggest. If climate change is not reined in, it makes nearly every other issue you may be voting on worse regardless of what else is done (the economy, health, national security, equality, and many more).

On the flip side, voting for someone that will take bold action on climate change improves each and every one of these important issues.

And for those worried about the cost - it is cheaper to act now than it is to wait and deal with the increasingly worse impacts. The US spent over $300 billion on extreme weather and "natural" disasters in 2017 - that's 1.5% of the GDP. We're digging ourselves into a deeper and deeper hole until we eliminate emissions.

2. Vote!

We each have a vote. Don't take it for granted. It is a privilege. It is a responsibility.

Check out this story if you need inspiration. Brazilians living in the Amazon traveled 18 hours to cast their vote because the election was that important. They knew their home was at risk.

Turns out ours is too actually.

You’ve got to show up on Tuesday, November 6th.

3. Encourage your friends to vote for climate leaders.

We all have family, friends, and a broader network.

Use your influence.

It is far bigger than you realize.

Definitely reach out to any of your environmentally-minded friends because they’re the worst! Just kidding, they’re probably the best, but environmentalists are notoriously awful voters. In the last midterm election, 44% of registered voters voted. Of registered voters who prioritize the environment though, only 21% showed up. That has to change. Channel your inner high-schooler and turn up the peer pressure.

If you found this useful or inspiring, please consider re-sharing it so your friends see it and some small waves are sent out. This will increase the chances of people voting, voting for climate leaders, spreading the message to their friends to do the same, and on and on.

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” - Bobby Kennedy

Send forth your "ripple of hope" for others to see and build on, if you're so inclined.

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