Wildfires, evacuations, power outages, poor air quality...
As of 7:57pm on Oct. 28th the Kincade Fire is almost 75,000 acres and only 15% contained. Several smaller fires in Southern California are also destroying structures and forcing evacuations. PG&E cut the power of 2 million Californians over the weekend, in order to prevent other fires, or at least reduce their guilt. 200,000 people have been forced out of their homes. The air quality index in parts of Northern and Southern California reached hazardous levels over the weekend, restricting people in certain cities to stay indoors and take preventative measures. Governor Newsom even declared it a state emergency when winds reached 100mph and realized that new fires can potentially start any minute.
At my weekly Sunrise Movement meeting today we discussed this and the ways that our organization can take action. Tension was really high. The proposed action is an act of civil disobedience at a San Francisco office in 2 days. The message was conveyed as "If we don't act now, there is no future to even care about" On one hand I understand that we are all worried about the situation, but what is too much pessimism and is it really necessary? I'm deciding to stay in Davis and catch up on my school work, but I feel extremely guilty. I feel that I need to keep my priorities in check, when is climate action more important than school and vice-versa, quantify how much I can dedicate to climate activism, in terms of hours and effective actions, and when I can check back to my "normal" life. However, I don't think many people react well to having someone tell them their priorities are drastically wrong and that they're not doing enough for the climate crisis... So what is the best way to mobilize individuals who want to fight for a better future and inspire them to sacrifice something in order to move forwards?
I often feeling guilty and hopeless regarding this convoluted problem, but how do I channel that energy into action and inspiring others to do the same?
