“What You Can Do Today to Take Action on Climate Change”

The presentation will open with some brief slides on the statistics of our changing climate. I will then discuss the “Carbon Budget” proposed by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC proposes limiting cumulative emissions to one trillion tons of carbon dioxide. I will discuss where we are with our budget, and how much we theoretically have left. This section will explain where we are with the crisis, and how much time we have to take action to reverse it. Then I will discuss action items participants can take immediately such as switching to renewable energy (and how to do it) and promoting green energy initiatives. Next item: the Carbon Tax – which countries have them and why the United States still does not. I will also briefly discuss how certain areas/countries have begun to reduce their levels of carbon dioxide. I will then go through Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and what people across the state can do to make it a success. In closing, I will touch on some great initiatives going on around the country & around the world – but the reality that a carbon free society remains a far-off goal.

Meagan Braganca graduated with a B.S. from Vanderbilt University, and has held several positions using her Human & Organizational Development degree. She became actively involved with environmental issues in 2004, and is passionate about protecting and preserving natural ecosystems and waterways. She is the Sierra Club Howard County Political Chair and an Executive Committee member. She was trained by former Vice President Al Gore on how to educate the public about climate change at the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training last July. Her goal as a Climate Leader is to promote clean energy, sustainable living and bring an end to fossil fuel consumption.