The beginning of a new year is a time for many people to make resolutions. At California Environmental Voters, climate action is on our mind. We’ve put together five New Year’s resolutions for being a climate champion in 2022:
1. Explore nature. Go to a state park, go for a hike, or just take a walk outside. Take advantage of the beauty of nature around us (and the exercise doesn’t hurt). Nature walks and other outdoor activities are especially great during the holiday season if you are looking for something healthy and screen-free to do with your family during downtime or to burn off some of those excess calories you gained from a holiday treat. Make it a point to visit all of the national, state, and regional parks in your vicinity. You won’t regret it.
2. Plan ahead for the election. 2022 is an election year. Fortunately, in California, all active registered voters now automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots. (If you don’t live in California, apply to vote by mail). If you’re not already, register to vote! If you are, double check your status and your mailing address. Then get to know who represents you. Because of redistricting, the district lines will change, but your city and county won’t. Attend a city council or school board meeting. Learn about all of the issues that affect you, your neighborhood, and everything you care about.
3. Vote for a climate champion. The midterm elections to decide control of the Senate and House of Representatives are in November 2022. In California, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for Senator Alex Padilla, who has emerged as a fierce climate champion. In addition to federal offices, the ballot in California will also include State Assembly and State Senate candidates, as well as candidates for local office and local ballot measures depending on where you live. We’ll be launching our 2022 Environmental Scorecard during the first quarter of 2022 to show you how your representatives voted on climate issues and whether they take oil money. Check out our previous scorecards. Stay on the lookout for that to help you decide whether to re-elect your legislators or find someone who better represents you.
4. Craft your 2022 booklist. Make a resolution to read more in 2022.
- Why We’re Polarized by Ezra Klein: Dissecting the puzzle of American politics today, Ezra Klein (columnist at the New York Times and previously the cofounder and editor at Vox), breaks down how understanding our history can help us plan our future.
- The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee: Challenging assumptions, laying out the dangers of destructive self-interest, and so much more. This is a book that can be an uncomfortable (but necessary) conversation starter at your next holiday party or dinner table about this nation’s racial divide.
- The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America. Rothstein sketches out how the American government systematically imposed residential segregation, subsidies for builders to create whites-only suburbs, and used racial zoning.
5. Support organizations you care about. It’s never not a good time to give back. Volunteer at or donate to nonprofits and groups you care about. Of course, we’re a little biased; California Environmental Voters is always looking for new members. We offer a number of ways to give, from joining the Eco Power Caucus to legacy giving to becoming a corporate partner.
