Two well-known climate activists shared their experiences fighting to protect the environment during Wednesday’s discussion on the topic. They urged people to take action to reduce the impact on the planet.
Winona LaDuke, a Minnesotan who lives and works on the White Earth Reservation, warned that people must take control of the future environment. She warned that humanity is at crossroads and that the choices made today could have irreparable consequences for the environment in the future.
She challenged the packed Luther Burbank Center Santa Rosa crowd to do better with simple acts of buying local and growing their own food.
LaDuke stated that it will take everyone doing their part. These are great times. Do your best.
Jamie Margolin, a leader of the youth climate movement, encouraged people get involved in grassroots groups working to push for climate action and said that everyone should shoulder the responsibility to make changes.
The discussion is part of The Press Democrat’s Women in Conversation series and comes as people celebrate Earth Day Friday and as Sonoma County continues to struggle with extreme drought, rising temperatures, and worsening fire situations.
Margolin and LaDuke shared tips on how people can prepare for worsening weather, be more resilient, and support the environment movement during a question-and-answer session moderated by Melissa Pitkin (education and outreach director, conservation group Point Blue).
They encouraged people to be optimistic and stated that protecting the environment is a long-term endeavor.
This story will be revised.
You can reach Staff Writer Paulina Pineda at 707-521-5268 or [email protected]. Follow @paulinapineda22 on Twitter
