Act now! Write a letter.

I have recently finished reading George Monbiot's Heat: How we can stop the planet burning and found the final chapter particularly moving. I strongly encourage you to read this chapter, if not the whole book.

As Monbiot writes:
"I have sought to demonstrate that the necessary reduction in carbon emissions is - if difficult - technically and economically possible. I have not demonstrated that it is politically possible. There is a reason for this. It is not up to me to do so. It is up to you."

Monbiot goes on to argue that the internet is much to blame for our population's apathy. He acknowledges that the internet:
"... is marvellously useful, allows us to exchange information, find the facts we need, alert each other to the coming dangers and all the rest of it. But it also creates a false impression of action. It allows us to believe that we can change the world without leaving our chairs."

While I largely agree with Monbiot's take on the internet, there are of course positive actions one can do from the comfort of their chair. Writing a letter to our leaders is one such example. It doesn't have to be long or detailed. Not even well-researched. Just letting them know what you think is important in itself.

I have just sent a letter to John Key (J.Key@ministers.govt.nz) asking the following questions:
What is your government doing to mitigate climate change?
What policies/legislation has been passed by the present government to reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions?
What do you plan to do to reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions in the future?

I urge you to send a letter to the relevant Minister about something that you feel passionately about. Their email addresses follow the same format as the one above for John Key.

The politicians have to know what we think. They are, after all, meant to be serving us.