But they can affect climate for the worse by engaging in recklessly uncontrolled practices and they can affect it for the better by shaping up and flying right. It is certainly true that humans cannot completely control climate, at least not currently. We still have a little time yet to plan for the next Ice Age. But the factor that is threatening catastrophic results for the particular civilization in which humans currently reside is the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists are well aware that many factors, including volcanoes, can affect the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Our great-great grandkids should be able to do a short stretch like that standing on their heads.

If we cut down dramatically now, though, it will take only 10,000 years or so. According to the scientists, if we continue to binge until all the fossil fuel in the world runs out, it will take tens of thousands of years for the earth’s carbon cycle to recover its equilibrium. I’ll do my best to set you straight, Lulz, but I think we both know it’s a challenge.ġ. Over the coming year, McDermott says the national organization is hoping to jump-start conversations at a local level through chapters such as the Asheville group and will be putting a specific focus on the 2020 elections. “They’re the ones who have this emotional connection to it the most. “The youngest generation … they are particularly focused on climate change,” she says. Although it’s still early in the organization’s work, she estimates that there are about 30 active members, primarily high school and college students. The Asheville group kicked off with a February meeting at the YWCA, which McDermott says brought in roughly 80 attendees. The local chapter of Sunrise is one of many that have started across the U.S. People began hearing about the group and its mission to stop climate change while also creating jobs - a mission that dovetails with the Green New Deal resolution proposed by congressional Democrats, including freshman House Rep.

“There was all this enthusiasm around Sunrise, and it just kind of exploded,” says Ashley McDermott, one of the founding members of the organization’s Asheville chapter. A well-publicized sit-in at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’s office in November had a galvanizing impact for the Sunrise Movement.

Sunrise movement