So when you think of New England in October, what comes to mind? Warm apple cider, pumpkins sitting on front porches, crisp leaves, blue skies with a chill, plaid everywhere! Not to mention lots of homework, turning your heater on for the first time, which may or may not work and of course, fall break.
Clearly, the Northeast is the place to be during this time of year. But what happens when global warming, something I know you’ve all heard about, strips New England of its fall character?
Changing temperatures and precipitation patterns are two ways climate change could affect New England’s bright foliage by dulling our famous autumn colors. Warmer temperatures resulting in shorter winters and drought increases may also devastate our delicious maple syrup harvests that account for 75 percent of the country’s maple syrup production. Climate change, caused by increases in greenhouse gas emissions, is a truly serious problem that threatens New England’s identity and character.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, you will have the chance to elect your new governor who will have the opportunity to take the leadership role in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and curbing the effects of climate change in New England. EnviroCitizen, a national non-partisan organization dedicated to building the political power of young voters, is helping to turn students here at Northeastern out to the polls on Election Day and let politicians know climate change is an issue we care about and need to take action on.
This past August, New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers signed a breakthrough agreement that reduces our region’s greenhouse gas emissions. They passed the “Resolution 27-7 Concerning Climate Change,” that builds from the original Climate Change Action Plan they first adopted in August 2001.
This unique resolution includes measures to increase energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy and decrease the impact of transportation.
This November, we need strong leadership from the Northeast to mobilize the region towards real emissions reductions and set viable goals for other regions to follow. So, go to the polls and show that young voters do have a large stake in the elections, and will vote for the issues we care about. Hold your officials accountable to what you want!
There is too much at stake for New England to ignore the issue of climate change. Vote Nov. 5 for your candidate who will preserve the essence of New England. Check out actionnetwork.org/campaign/ NE_Energy and tell them you’re planning to vote and that you want to know where they stand on global warming.
