Like some of you who read this blog, this weekend is serving as an opportunity to remember the events of September 11, 2001. We also remember the people who lost their lives on that day, and in the subsequent wars.

In 2021 I’m realizing that another 911 call needs to be made. This summer I personally experienced the impacts of climate change. This included watching the remnants of two hurricanes fly over my house. In addition, while on vacation this summer out west I experienced a ferocious heat wave along with the smoke from millions of acres of forest fires. Those fires are still burning as I write this post.

Climate change is in my opinion our number one crisis. It’s an environmental, economic and spiritual crisis. I believe that at its core is our disconnect from the natural rhythms of life. Seventy years ago, when another crisis began with the Second World War, the vast majority of US Americans, not to mention the global population, lived of the land much more directly than we do today. This disconnect from nature, from where we get our food and water, from the cycles of life, death and rebirth is a core factor in our behavior.

Witnessing the dramatic changes in our environment is causing me to make changes in my lifestyle in the hopes of impacting climate change. This is another way of saying, what can one person do?

Drive less and/or drive a vehicle that gets better gas mileage
Eat less beef. A diet less dependent of meat is good for your body as well as the planet
Grow a garden, walk in the woods/park, get outdoors.
Advocate for policy changes in both state and federal government
Meditate, pray, reflect using the great wisdom traditions to connect with Creation

These are my five actions. I invite you to consider adopting one or more in your own life. Our planet and our souls will be grateful.