5 Ways to Advocate for Climate Action

On September 20th and 27th, climate strikes are planned across 117 countries. This youth-led, global demonstration aims to disrupt the status quo of inaction on climate change by world leaders. While a global display of solidarity and a call for climate action is a worthwhile cause, not everyone is able to participate in climate strikes. If you are able to attend the events at the Florida Historic Capitol on the 20th, it’s an excellent way to show your support. If you can’t make it, there are many other ways to advocate for climate action. Leading up to and continuing after the climate strikes this month, here are five ways you can take action and speak up for climate justice. 

1. Be informed about current climate science

If you’re interested in taking action on climate change, a good place to start is seeking out current and quality information on the issue. Some good places to find credible information include:

• NASA’s Global Climate Change site

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate resources

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

• The United Nations Climate site

Additionally, there are lots of cool events happening in our own community that foster a deeper understanding of climate issues. Here are some ideas:

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Policy Pub events:

Each day, policy decisions that directly impact our lives are made at the local, state, national, and global levels. Policy Pub is a great way to hear experts speak in plain language and have a dialogue about issues facing our community and world. Many of the upcoming talks will be centered around climate change and other environmental issues. Check out the schedule for more information and upcoming dates.

Environment Florida Press Conference for 100% Renewable Florida

Environment Florida, coalition partners, and decision-makers are setting the stage for renewable energy to be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session. Join Environment Florida at the Press Conference for 100% Renewable Florida on Wednesday, September 18th at 11:30 AM on the 4th floor of the Florida State Capitol Building. Speakers will include energy experts from FSU and FAMU, as well as local Tallahassee area students. 

Talk on 100% Renewable Energy with Dr. Munir Humayun

Join us on Thursday, September 19 from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Leroy Collins Main Library for a talk by Dr. Munir Humayun. Dr. Munir will present a plan to make Tallahassee transition to 100% renewable energy through solar power. He will also discuss policy changes, market trends, and other things that could benefit or hurt this goal. 

Strike Protest for the Climate

Join us on September 20th on the steps of Florida's Historic Capitol building and protest the lack of action against the climate crisis.

Being informed is the first step in sparking meaningful conversations, which lead to change. Also, being confident in your knowledge about climate change and why its an issue that you feel passionately about makes it easier to complete step 2!

2. Have informed conversations with your immediate circle

Publically protesting at the capitol, going on strike, and posting on social media are all big actions that reach large audiences. These actions absolutely have their place in affecting change, but one of the most effective ways to get people involved in the environmental movement is to have personal conversations with your immediate circle of family and friends. When we care about an issue, we often want to take big actions and win over large audiences. However, communicating on a peer-to-peer level is extremely effective for creating lasting change.

3. Amplify the climate strike and other environmental events on social media

You’ve read up on the issues facing our planet and had engaging, meaningful conversations with your friends and family. Posting a selfie at your desk or at the strike on September 20th with the hashtag #Climatestrike may not seem like the most effective way to change policy or public opinion, but it is a valid and public way to express your support for the movement. Sharing climate resources on social media and taking those conversations you’ve had in person into the digital space is another way to show active support. 

4. Live a more sustainable life

There are concrete ways each of us can combat climate change that require very little (if any) time or money. Looking to do your part for the planet? Start with these simple swaps

• Swap driving your car for a more sustainable transportation method like walking, biking, or taking the bus. 

• Swap red meat for delicious, plant-based alternatives.

• Reduce your consumption in general; if you need something, first consider if you’re able to borrow or rent it. If you do need to buy it, always see if you can get it secondhand before buying new. Borrowing or buying secondhand is a great way to reduce your overall impact on the planet. 

5. Support FSU in its goal of taking action on climate

FSU's Strategic Plan, Goal VI aims to invest strategically in our institution and reputation. We hope to be known as a university that makes a difference in the lives of our students and in the quality of life of our society. At FSU, we incorporate the following practices, which reduce our overall footprint and build a University-wide culture of environmental care:

• Climate action by focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use through increased conservation and efficiency efforts, increased sustainable transportation options that support a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly campus, and optimizing the use of green building technologies.

• Waste minimization by increasing our overall waste diversion rate through enhanced 3R efforts (reduce, reuse, and recycling), responsible purchasing practices, and responsible waste disposal strategies.

• Resource stewardship by expanding conservation activities across our campuses while supporting environmentally-friendly land, habitat, and watershed management practices.

• Education for sustainability by increasing communication efforts and related curricular, co-curricular, service, and research initiatives.

FSU is committed to taking bold action to address climate change. Voice your support for sustainability goals in FSU’s Strategic Plan and get involved with Sustainable Campus to advocate for even more environmental change within the campus community. 

Regardless of how you show your support for the climate strike events this month, it is important to recognize all of the different opportunities we have to live in accordance with our values and advocate for the positive changes we want to see in our communities and our world. We hope that getting involved in climate events this week encourages you to ask the question, “what next?” After the protests are over, how will you continue to fight for the changes you want to see in our world?