sarahby Jordan Heiden
Trudging through downtown Barre’s mud, debris, and dust last month in the aftermath of yet another flood event reminded me of two things: (1) Vermonters remain some of the most resilient people I’ve ever known; and (2) We have so much more work to do to adequately address this climate crisis.
Our summers are getting to be too hot. Our winters, too warm. An increase in heat waves, drought, cyanobacteria events, and disease-carrying vector populations, such as ticks and mosquitos, are ravaging the state. We can’t continue to allow fossil fuels to burn our future. We need clean power now.
As the chair of the Climate Reality Project Vermont Chapter, I am continuously impressed by the power of grassroots, community engagement. In each monthly meeting, we take time to discuss upcoming action opportunities and determine how our group can tap in and engage where we’re needed most. In our last meeting, we spoke about an opportunity that I’d like to share with you.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m., I’ll be attending 350Vermont’s Day of Action at Washington County’s Berlin 5 power plant. During this hour-long rally, Vermonters will call on utilities and elected officials to urgently move away from outdated and dirty energy infrastructure in favor of a clean and affordable energy future. Rallies will also take place at the Burlington GT Power Plant and the Ascutney Power Plant that morning. Efforts will expand beyond the state of Vermont, too. In fact, this day of action is part of a coordinated effort by the 350Vermont Network Council and other climate justice organizations across the country. Our collective impact will be felt in many places on this meaningful day.
As a Barre City resident who experienced two devastating flood events within the span of a single year, I believe in the strength, power, and love found in community building and support. We can overcome great challenges by educating and empowering one another with meaningful, accessible resources and action opportunities. In Vermont, there are many organizations and individuals to learn from, events to attend, and actions to take. The question is, how will you show up?
We, as a collective, can accomplish a lot together, but it can’t just fall to us. We need continued support and partnership from Vermont utilities and elected leaders. Our state can detach from its deep commitment to oil and gas by continuing to elevate and invest in other beneficial alternatives, such as weatherization, solar, and heat pumps, for instance. We no longer need to rely on dirty, expensive fossil fuel production. And frankly, in so many ways, we can no longer afford it.
Again, I invite you to join me and many others to 350Vermont’s Day of Action on Saturday, Aug. 10. You may choose to attend any of the three power plant rally locations to ensure your voice is heard. Learn more and register at 350vermont.org.
Heiden is a Barre City resident and chair of the Climate Reality Project Vermont Chapter.
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