Progressive Cheverly issues statement in response to the U.S. pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement: "It is a strike against every American, against every person on this planet, against the future of human life as we know it."

Progressive Cheverly issues statement in response to the U.S. pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement

The news that the President has chosen to remove the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement has truly been a blow to the gut. It is a strike against every American, against every person on this planet, against the future of human life as we know it. It defies science and it defies common sense.  Many of us allowed ourselves to believe that, despite all the rhetoric, Trump would ultimately have to bow to the overwhelming scientific consensus regarding the dire consequences of ignoring climate change.  Instead, he listened to the climate deniers and those in the fossil fuel industry who would make a quick buck at the expense of their own children and grandchildren.

So where does this leave us?  It is easy to tell ourselves that it won't get that bad, that all the terrible projections are just a worst-case scenario, and that we'll find a way to use technology and human ingenuity to adapt. And while there is no doubt amazing advances in renewable energy are happening every day, choosing to take a laissez faire approach to the future of human life in a rapidly climate-induced changing world is an extremely risky proposition.

We at Progressive Cheverly believe that, though the current situation is dire, we cannot choose to sit idly by, and we encourage each and every one of you to find a way to make a contribution to the fight.  The combined forces of many raised voices, and the stomp of many feet, can be a truly powerful thing. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be looking for opportunities as an organization to engage and will be passing along information on ways you can take action, both individually and collectively.  Even now, opportunities abound. Here are a few:

Work to implement solutions for Maryland and Cheverly that mirror the "100 by 50" goals (100% renewable energy by 2050) just introduced by Senators Merkley, Sanders, etc. in the U.S. Senate. Support planned legislative efforts to strengthen Maryland's already forward-looking emissions cutting goals. Sign a petition calling on Governor Hogan to commit Maryland to the Paris Climate Accords. Help advocate for the Mayor and Council to develop a plan and commit to concrete steps to reduce Cheverly's carbon footprint.

Demand that our Congressional representatives are as aggressive as they can be in challenging the current course.

Join a group such as Swing Left, to help elect progressive candidates in competitive districts in places like Virginia, by phone calls and door knocking, so that Democrats can take back at least one house in 2018 and be ready to retake the White House in 2020.

Attend as many marches as you can.

Put solar in your home. If you can't do that, consider signing up for wind power or joining a community solar project.

Reduce your consumption of red meat, the production of which is a major source of greenhouse gas.

Remember, the strongest antidote to despair and paralysis is action. Don't be a bystander!

We welcome your feedback. You can send comments to [email protected]. If you are a member, you can continue the discussion by posting comments to our member discussion list - [email protected].

Cheverly, in Prince George’s County, is a diverse community with a history of activism. Progressive Cheverly was founded in the dark early days of the Reagan administration.