Why?

This gas-hogging ostrich of a country grows more resoundingly aware of the climate crisis each day. Even 'peak oil' creeps slowly into mainstream talk now. Al Gore says we have 10 years to start making a dramatic transition to the next energy solutions, or we've missed our window. More people are recognizing this is no environmental issue, this is an everything issue.

But to build awareness without its most necessary attendant, tangible action, is paralyzing. It's also unnecessary. There are remarkable, pragmatic models of the turnaround happening around the country at every level of government and business. Deeply smart people and organizations have been working hard on the answers for decades. Investments in renewables and efficiency are already generating good jobs and bottomline savings for municipalities, just as the Apollo Alliance promises. So it's time to read up on the best news, and figure out how to replicate it everywhere. Let's make 2007 the year we spread the how-to as fast as we spread the how-screwed.

One thing we cannot do is tweak our own little lives and call it good. If you still drive a horrendous vehicle, eat juicy hamburgers, and often forget to turn your lights off, you're still in. Experts like Ross Gelbspan say the necessary pace of change demands action at the civic level, and cannot be accomplished through individual lifestyle shifts alone. By all means, we can start weaning our homes, our cars, our grocery lists from fossil fuel gobbling, but don't make your own life your big project. Look for impact. Spend at least as much time hassling your county council about renewables as you spend researching hybrids or bio-diesel conversions for your family. Skip the latest article on the ice sheets and write a letter to your local utility board.