Image courtesy Pixabay

I love Sarasota. That is why this election season we must vote for leaders and ballot measures that support bold action on climate change. The latest IPCC report (https://templatelab.com/climate-change-report/) calls for a strengthened response to climate change to reduce the impacts it is already having. I am concerned about the threat of hurricanes and the worsening red tide we are experiencing in Sarasota and how this impacts my family’s health, our community’s security, and our country’s stability.

And I am not alone! Three-quarters of Americans now say they personally are concerned about climate change. Only 14% of us think others around us are very concerned when the reality is that nearly half of us, 45%, are very concerned. 85% of us agree we have a moral responsibility to create a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and our children.

We can use our voice and our vote this election season to protect our climate. Join me by confirming your voter registration and seeing what will be on your ballot so you can make an informed vote. Request an absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person or find your polling location if you are able to vote in person. 

Sydney Otis is a resident of Sarasota.

Image courtesy Pixabay