Mark Wamsley
Jul 10, 2017 · 1 min read

We lost an election — while winning the popular vote. The consequences of that loss will indeed be staggering for the environment but let’s also not globalize it to infer some sea-change in social or cultural attitudes. Local climate efforts and messaging, including those linked to economic benefits, are well underway and have been for years. Do you think cities will suddenly stop planning for sea-level rise because Trump was elected? Do you think land trusts will stop preserving land to create climate refuges for wildlife and protect public drinking water supplies? Do you think scientists will throw up their hands and halt their research? Do you think farmers and ranchers will stop working with NRCS to conserve soils? Of course, funding for all of those activities may well dry up for the time being, but it’s silly to suggest that those who work on climate issue every day will suddenly close up shop. By your own strategy, “winning” on the issue of climate change likely won’t be shouted from the mountain tops (or even be labeled as climate related) due to political sensitivities. In truth, we’re achieving little victories every day. We just need more of them.