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Up at 5:10 a.m. EST, typing words that flowed through my restless brain throughout the night. Sometimes I ‘take dictation,’ when writing articles and wake up with a piece nearly fully formed. This one is a wakeup call for all of us and a reminder that the world is connected in ways both positive and negative. Last week, Canadian wildfires sent a plume of smoke across the East Coast of the United States that had people ducking for cover in buildings and behind masks. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, the majority of fires are human caused. No surprise, of course. I remember commercials from my childhood featuring Smokey the Bear and his iconic message, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” I wonder how many people take heed of the fact that this is the only planet that we are aware of that can sustain human, animal and plant life. There is no Planet B.
As someone with asthma, COPD and a cardiac condition, this environmental crisis had a direct impact on my health and safety. In my area this morning, the air quality is considered ‘moderate’ (in the yellow zone), but a few days ago it was it was in the red zone which made it hazardous for anyone but particularly people in my condition. Today it is in the orange zone with these instructions, “People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day: Reduce your exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.” Fortunately, I can work from home as a psychotherapist and journalist and when I ventured out, I wore a mask. I used the air conditioner in the car and my home. I have been going to the gym to strengthen my lungs. Today I will be purchasing an air purifier.
To check out the air quality in your area, visit the Air Now website. I have been consulting it daily since the unprecedented experience began. I wish I could say that it was like a snow storm that only happened occasionally from which we could dig ourselves out but with the climate crisis, it is likely to occur again and again.
Eerie looking photos of NYC and Philadelphia are implanted in our minds like scenes from Mad Max movies. The irony is that masks that were used during the pandemic were pulled out again and worn outside and taken off when people entered buildings. Apocalyptic, dystopic imagery.
I worry for the animals who have no shelter. I worry for those who have to work outdoors. I worry for the survival of the human species on this planet.
So, what we each of us do about it? Check out these fire safety tips from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Although it is not listed, I add ‘don’t toss cigarette butts out of the car or drop them on the ground’ Better yet, don’t smoke.
What can we do collectively to deal with the climate crisis? The UN Environment Programme has ideas that are easily applied.
One of the biggest statements we can make is to vote our conscience. Vote for candidates who know the urgency and take it seriously. Vote for candidates who recognize that we all breathe the same air and drink the same water. Vote for candidates who want a sustainable planet for the next generations. Learn about The Green New Deal.
“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”―
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock
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