Become a Climate Advocate!

Earth Charter Indiana programs are designed to ensure youth understand the climate crisis as an ethical and political problem that extends far beyond the scientific and logistical aspects of surviving on a warming planet. Specifically, the Climate Recovery Resolutions program enables youth to study climate change and its solutions in a holistic way, as participants “learn how government works and meet with elected officials to work on a Resolution ‘to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency, local food production and community engagement’” (ECI, 2022). Yet, still too few proposed climate resolutions are in place in Indiana. Why?

Given that the problem of greenhouse gas emissions (aka the primary factor of climate change) requires action in all sectors of the economy—mainly our energy supply but also transportation systems; buildings, sidewalks and other sealed surfaces of infrastructure; manufacturing processes; agriculture; forestry; and waste management—tackling climate change may seem too overwhelming or feel too intangible for busy legislators and their constituents. It’s possible everyone is just hoping someone else will figure it out.

I know that’s where I’ve been. While considering the knowledge-action gap related to climate change, I had to acknowledge in myself a large space between what I value—protection and restoration of natural spaces for recreation and for the clean air, soil and water we need to survive—and an embarrassing lack of meaningful work I do to advance it as a priority at any level. As the problems in this nation became increasingly complex and destructive, I have, like many others, turned off the news and retreated from political conversations to focus on simpler issues, hoping that other people will fix the problem of how we’ll survive as a species. Worse, I congratulate myself on achieving normative wins for my family that actually exacerbate the climate crisis—like teaching my child how to drive a car that requires gasoline. Change is hard; the status quo is so much more comfortable. It’s probably why our leaders and ourselves resist making sacrifices to ease greenhouse gas emissions. 

But let that inspire action and not be a reason to give up. The United States is as a leading polluter worldwide, so addressing our reckless ways at the state and Federal levels—as well as on the individual and family/community levels—is critical for the entire human race. By recognizing the limits of persuasion in a social system centered on power and economic growth, youth can achieve positive change toward social and environmental justice by advocating for—and creating for themselves—the world they want to inherit. In other words, rather than persuading today’s leaders to work for them, youth themselves can become leaders who enact positive change.

Earth Charter Indiana is doing the important work of informing, inspiring and mobilizing youth to engage in the state’s political realm regarding climate change legislation. By modelling equitable decision-making and participation in its own structure and programs, ensuring all voices are heard and respected, the organization is showing youth leaders that this approach can work while upholding the values and principles of the Earth Charter—which include respect and care for the community; ecological integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, nonviolence and peace.

Learn more about Earth Charter Indiana programs, including Climate Camp and the Climate Resolutions Toolkit for climate leaders—and begin your work as an Indiana climate advocate.