Thread by @SustainAllLife

Closing perspective on U.S. Back in Paris: Ending U.S. Greed and Isolationism #ClimateWeekNYC

I grew up loving the US. As I became aware of what we did in Vietnam, and as I learned more about the civil rights movement, I feel conflicted.

On the one hand, a model of press & religious freedoms. But this country was built on stolen land, genocide, enslavement, imperialism.

It's easy to feel shame about being a US-er, but shame can distort and limit us as environmental activists.

I think we should all work to love the US, and the people in this country.

But I'm furious, and we need to be angry.

We need to be angry in order to love our country, and we need to love our country in order to fight for it.

We need to choose a perspective that's outside our feelings.

I worked in global enviro policy with the US govt in China for 20 years. We decided to work together, developed greater trust in each other.

When it came time to address climate change, we were able to use our relationships to overcome some differences and do the work.

Here are three things the US can do

1) agree to stay in the Paris agreement

2) initiate a prompt decline in greenhouse gases

3) contribute our technologies and financing to the developing world

It is a great time to live in this country. We can have a crucial & positive impact on the rest of the world. 🌍🌎🌏

What changes do you think you can contribute?

My goal is to turn the U.S. around and make us a climate leader. If we have good policies, that would have a huge impact globally.

Join the Global Effort! #USBackInParis

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