Climate Change: Let’s All Do Our Part

Awhile back, I was sitting outside a coffee shop sipping an iced latte after a run. I pulled my cap down to block the sun, wiping beads of sweat from my forehead. Usually, sitting outside in running shorts isn’t a big deal—except this was February. I glanced at my weather app: 82 degrees! Then I overheard a young woman nearby say she’d just moved from Chicago and “was really loving this Colorado weather.” I resisted the urge to tell her “I’m glad you’re enjoying this weather, but this is not normal.”

The average temperature for February 11 from 2007 – 2017 was 49°F, and the warmest temperatures have occurred in the last three years. If this warming trend continues, “in a few decades, a summer in Denver might feel like one in El Paso,” according to the Denver Post. That’s not cool, people. Pun intended.

A lifelong Coloradoan, I’ve witnessed the consequences of climate change: floods, torrential rain, little precipitation, higher-than-normal temperatures, forest fires and more. It’s time we start paying attention and acting. I implore all Denver-ites, transplants and natives alike, to help protect our beautiful city:

Use electricity sparingly

Despite increasing renewable resources, approximately 46% of our electricity comes from coal. Turn off lights and televisions, set your summer thermostat to 78° and unplug appliances you’re not using.

Don’t idle your car

Park in the shade, turn off your engine and roll down the windows.

Ditch your car

If your destination is close by, try biking, walking or using public transportation. Denver is blessed with 85 miles of paved bike trails, a bike share program and a state-of-the art rail system.

Call your local representative

One of the best ways to make change is to express your concerns by email or in-person meeting with your council person.

Talk with family and friends

Talk to your friends about your concerns and come up with solutions together. Get your kids involved in making positive choices.

Volunteer

One of the best decisions I made was to start volunteering with Wind and Solar Denver. I’m doing something to combat the problem as opposed to simply talking (and worrying) about it. There are so many opportuntities to help.

A Native American proverb holds, “we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” If we all do more today we can ensure that our children will have a healthy environment tomorrow. Let’s band together to ensure that Denver remains a beautiful city not only for us but for generations to come.

—Janelle Pepple