Enjoy the world (and save it!)

Earlier, I mentioned I was doing a DIY master's: learning about the intersection of people and planet. But I'm also looking for levers: moments when everyday people—like me—can really contribute.

And recently, I came across this:

This summer, the City of Vancouver walked back its climate commitments to allow natural gas—for heat and hot water—in new, yet-to-be built buildings. (The story of how that went down is wild—I'll save it for another time.) On November 26th, this'll be up for discussion.

I love languages, people, and music. I went to art school. If I spent my life engineering solutions it would be wasted, and I resist self-sacrifice in my everyday life—I want to enjoy the world (and save it!)

But there's a middle way. Sometimes—at the right place, right time—one small move can make a difference.

Of all the carbon pollution created within Vancouver's borders, more than half comes from buildings burning natural gas today.

This is a lever: a moment in time with outsized consequences.

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I just wrote to the City of Vancouver. If you're interested, you can do the same:

Tell councillors you:

• Oppose the use of natural gas—for heat and hot water—for new, yet-to-be-built buildings.

...Before EOD Monday, November 25th.

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When I started working on my DIY master's, I was overwhelmed. I'm prone to feeling anxious—but when I do, I've learned to focus on what I can control.

Starting with one small move is the best way I know to cope. What about you?

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