Thinking about Climate Change, Together
Shortly after reading the RC draft policy on climate change, I had dinner with my partner and his siblings.
Later in the meal, I brought up and led a conversation about stopping climate change—something I hadn’t done before. I asked them what they were thinking these days about effective ways to stop it. A lively discussion followed. People seemed eager to talk about what they knew and what they were doing, or thinking would be good to do. Everyone participated.
I was struck with [impressed by] how everyone at the table (there were five of us) had been thinking about climate change privately, and had a lot to say, but how we had never talked about it together before. I could tell [perceive] that something good was happening as we got our thinking out in the air and shared ideas for action.
At the end I appreciated our conversation and said that I thought it makes a difference when we can stay in touch about what we’re figuring out and doing, and that I would like to do that with them.
Afterward I realized how much getting out of isolation is key for me and others. I felt hopeful that staying connected while thinking about climate change will help us take ourselves and our ideas more seriously, and act on our ideas. I’m excited about getting closer to these folks in this way and maybe doing some things together about climate change. And I was reminded how much people really care about people and the future.
Minnesota, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail
discussion list for leaders of Catholics