“How Do We Respond to the Climate Crisis?”

Despite evidence to the contrary, many continually refer to the climate crisis as a distant threat—one that may already be taking shape in the Global South and might affect our grandchildren, but not an emergency that requires immediate, transformative action. In fact, the climate crisis is already upon us. It can be seen in increasing temperatures, changing participation patterns, and rising sea levels, all of which are a concern for Baltimore. These shifts aren’t happening in a vacuum. Rather, they’re exacerbating existing issues. They’re causing aging water and energy infrastructure to fail, making redlined neighborhoods even less hospitable, and increasing risks of violent conflict. The only ethical choice we have is to fight for transformative change. That may require us all to make some sacrifices, but it could also come with tremendous gains for us all.

Dharna Noor writes and reports on the climate crisis and environmental justice. She’s currently a writer at Earther, Gizmodo’s climate vertical. She previously led the Real News Network’s climate bureau. Her work has also appeared in Jacobin, Truthout, the Baltimore Beat and other outlets, as well as in a recently released book on environmental justice movements throughout the U.S. She lives in Baltimore.