Why I'll Be Riding 300 Miles to Washington D.C., and What That Has to Do With Climate Change

Today I'm setting out with a bunch of fellow climate hawks to pedal our way down from New York City to the nation's capital. Along the way we intend to show some support for smarter energy policies and an earnest mobilization to combat climate change. The trip is called ClimateRide, and it's unique in that it combines bullhorn-style advocacy, actual grassroots lobbying, and fund-raising for some very deserving nonprofits.

Someone too cynical (or too lazy) might gripe that a rolling gang of cyclists in goofy spandex aren't going to change anyone's mind about climate change. Personally, I'm of the opinion that actions and stunts and awareness really do matter. When you start to feel defeated and quiet down, you pretty quickly get forgotten, and a perfect example of that is the climate bill that fell dead in Congress last year. We don't have a decent climate law today because a lot of swing state senators felt more pressure from the fossil fuels industry than they did from those of us who demand clean air, clean water, and a safe climate. If there is ever to be hope for a real nationwide mobilization on climate, politicians are going to have to feel vulnerable for voting against anything that compromises our climate and our future. Showing up at their offices (we'll have changed out of the goofy spandex for that) and telling them to their faces that they will lose your vote is one pretty powerful way to make them feel vulnerable.

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Of course anyone could (and everyone should!) show up at an elected official's office and do just that—no bike ride required. But I will also make the case that—in this age of e-petitions and no-impact "clicktivism"—there is something to be said for getting your ass out from behind the computer and putting your body (and time) where your morals are. When people commit their actual time and energy to something in which they believe, it actually stands out these days. At least I believe it does.

Besides, Climate Ride has another very real, very tangible impact. Everyone participating in the ride had to raise at least $2,400 for a bunch of beneficiary organizations whose work helps combat climate change. In that way, it's sort of like a Susan B. Komen or Jimmy Fund walk, but a lot longer and a lot more grassrootsy.

The organizations benefiting from the charity money. You can read more about all the beneficiaries here.

So I'm awfully proud to be involved with Climate Ride. And though I wasn't able to mount up with everyone in New York City this morning, I'm catching up with the whole crew in Princeton tonight.

If you want to follow along during the ride, there's a news and updates blog at ClimateRideLive.org