Reprinted with permission from Buffalo First, working to build a local, green and fair economy in Western New York.
With about 30 climate enthusiasts, runners and walkers, New York State Senator Antoine Thompson, and a gorgeous, sunny Sunday morning, the unofficial Green Buffalo Run in Delaware Park was a humble, cheerful event coinciding with 7,000+ climate solution events in 187 countries.
The idea was to create a global movement for citizens to solve the climate crisis and spread awareness. With our increasing dependence on fossil fuels and the threatening levels of CO2 emissions, we need policymakers and citizens to be conscious about the choices that impact our planet.
On behalf of BuffaloFirst!, thanks to everyone who participated. It was a brisk morning, but that’s Buffalo: tough people working to solve tough issues. While this first event was unofficial, next year shows promise. Senator Thompson announced efforts to engage thousands of Western New Yorkers to participate in next year’s event.
The solution for the climate crisis didn’t end on Sunday. The website that hosted the event, www.350.org, is urging people to make a phone call to their state and national leaders and representatives and let them know what you think (they even have a script to follow, in many languages, making it a simple task). If you’re worried about racking up your phone bill, just use a Skype or Gmail account to call free anywhere in North America.
You can find contact info at http://www.350.org/en/call-leaders. I would stress that the City Council, local organizations and businesses consider and demonstrate Buffalo’s concern about its carbon footprint.
Sunday’s Climate Event in Delaware Park could also be an awakening for Buffalo and Western New York citizens to participate in Earth Hour on March 26, 2010. Check out the inspiring video that’s sparking interest across the globe at http://www.earthhour.org/.
This week, Buffalo First! will be doing an Environmental Row segment on a broad array of issues and topics. Be sure to check in every day to see what we’re discussing.
