歪歪漫画

鈥淣o one does anything unless it feels important. And if no one is talking about it, how important can it be?鈥� 鈥� Science Moms

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist who studies climate change, is an advisor to the Citizens鈥� Climate Lobby, and is a mother.

The warm winter we just had has given me the courage to talk about carbon pollution to everyone. I feel like even those who are not concerned about climate change might be getting worried. They must be getting that icky feeling you get in your gut 鈥� the feeling every woman has learned to listen to and not ignore.

Let鈥檚 make Mother鈥檚 Day 2024 the catalyst for hundreds of conversations that help people fight the pollution overheating our planet. Why moms? Women have Let鈥檚 channel that same energy and determination into tackling the pollution problem.

Why now? deeply concerned about climate change, and only 25% think there is scientific consensus when, in fact, it is 99%. The world is heating up 50 times faster than ever in recorded history. With 85 million moms in America, we have the power to make a difference. Let鈥檚 harness our Mom Power and start moving the dial!

Start with the heart by connecting personally with an opening question. Next, move to the head by presenting your concerns and impacts through facts and data. And finally, hands, by talking about solutions that people can do.

Here is a personal example. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 Nordic ski, fat tire bike, and I hardly used my snow shoes this winter. I am so worried that this might be the new normal. Do outdoor activities bring you joy?... Winter temperatures in Minnesota have already increased by 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

When we top this with an El Nino weather pattern, our winter recreation gets canceled, and our winter businesses are at risk. We have made lots of energy efficiency improvements in our home to do our part to reduce carbon pollution. I also regularly contact my elected representatives to ensure they know the climate is essential to me. It feels good to do something active to save the outdoors, which I love. Doing something positive might help you feel better, too.

Here is another example: 鈥淗ave you heard about all new great, new tax credits and rebates available to convert your home to clean energy? ... Minnesota will have its rebate program ready for early 2025, but tax credits were ready for your 2023 taxes. You can research websites like Rewiring America, Citizens鈥� Climate Lobby, and your electricity provider.

I am making it a point to tell as many people as possible about these money and energy-saving, pollution-reducing opportunities. I鈥檇 happily share my home improvement stories and help you navigate the tax credits and rebates.鈥�

And saving the best example for last. 鈥淚鈥檓 concerned about the cost of cleaning up after climate-related disasters like wildfires, floods and crazy-big storms. Did you notice the smoke in the air last summer?...

The trend is for more events costing more money year over year. This feels bigger than me, so l take action by checking out each candidate's platform and record on carbon pollution policy before I vote. I have one voice and one vote, and I will make sure it counts for the climate because I want to have winter again.

So, fellow moms, let鈥檚 get out there and talk about carbon pollution. Let鈥檚 use our outside voices. Let鈥檚 do all we can so the kids we have brought into the world continue to have a beautiful, four-season Minnesota to grow, learn and love.

Patrick Welle is a member of the Citizens' Climate Lobby organization. For more information, visit