Are you concerned about climate change and the increasing impacts to everyone’s lives? We certainly are.

The effects of climate change are evident in the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events have become more destructive, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. People are losing their lives, their homes, and their livelihoods in the destruction. And like the tree depicted above, entire communities are being uprooted, just as they were in the 2005 destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.

Beyond storms, gradual climate shifts are transforming our environment in ways that are impossible to ignore. Farmers, growers and gardeners understand these changes better than most. The USDA grow zones are shifting northward, and the last frost dates in our zone have moved by as much as three weeks in the past decade. These subtle but significant shifts make it clear: the climate is changing, whether or not people want to acknowledge it. While some may avoid the phrase “climate change” due to political controversy, the people who work the land cannot deny or avoid it.

We at CBW are NOT in denial

Aside from worrying about it, we, and many others we know, are making conscious choices to reduce our environmental footprint. We are driving less, making fewer unnecessary purchases, consuming less beef (and meat in general), and planting trees and gardens (vegetables and flowers). We are growing our own food, not just for sustainability, but to inspire others to do the same. Every homegrown vegetable reduces a bit of the carbon burden associated with transporting food across long distances. Every small action adds up, and collective efforts can make a tangible difference. Especially if you’re not a billionaire who believes your rocket will zip you to safety.

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Our work against climate change is not just about survival—it’s about responsibility. Thank you for your efforts to make a difference from wherever you are. Whether you’re planting native trees and plants, reducing your household and community waste, or educating others, your actions always matter. When we get the local, state and national leadership that cares both for Americans and the country’s air, soil and water, and the general environment, only then we will get the support we need. Until then, just don’t stop the work you’re doing. We won’t either.