A News Tribune article on Dec. 10 described the trend of warming lakes and less ice due to climate change and its economic fallout on Minnesota communities that depend on tourism related to winter activities, including ice fishing. Skating and skiing are also impacted by warming temperatures and fewer days of ice and cold.
How do we feel about the loss of these activities and the economic damage to communities?
Climate anxiety includes worry, insecurity, feelings of helplessness, and anger caused by the awareness of a warming planet. It is a condition affecting more and more of us, no matter our political leanings. It’s uncomfortable to think about and talk about the predicted changes our warming planet portends. In addition to the loss of winter ice, we are witnessing increasing droughts, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes.
It’s frightening, so understandably there can be an urge to turn away from the whole issue. While this response may help us feel better temporarily, the next loss or disaster rekindles our fear for the future.
How can you and I reduce our climate anxiety? We can connect with others who are being constructive about climate change, to increase our hopefulness and decrease our helplessness. We can learn about climate solutions, encourage our legislators to support strong climate action and vote for those who do.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are many wonderful local climate organizations to get involved with; and one of them, Citizens Climate Lobby, is nonpartisan and provides resources and tools to easily address climate change. For the good of yourself and the environment we want to preserve, take a step toward connection!
The writer is a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (citizensclimatelobby.org).
Claudia French
Duluth
Readers' View and Local Views
Letters are limited to 300 words, must be the original work of the author and must be exclusive to the News Tribune. Letters are edited for style, space, accuracy and civility.
Letter writers are limited to one published submission every 30 days.
With rare exceptions, the News Tribune does not publish poetry; letters that are anonymous, libelous or attack other writers; consumer-complaint letters; thank-you letters; or letters generated by political or special-interest campaigns.
We will consider exclusive Local View columns of 600 words or fewer. Authors should possess unique insights, and their commentaries should demonstrate greater knowledge of their subject than letters.
Email submissions to: letters@duluthnews.com
Mail to: Readers' Views, Duluth News Tribune, 424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802.
Fax to: 218-720-5120.
Include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published.
