David, I really appreciate you raising this. What you’ve shared is something many of us wrestle with — the sense that our own efforts pale in comparison to the scale of what’s going on around us. Of course you could push your daughter to walk or cycle, tell your wife to find another way to exercise, or trade in your Mini for an electric car. But here’s the truth: even if everyone in your neighbourhood did all of that, it wouldn’t make much difference if the tar sands in Alberta keep pumping sludge to the U.S., or if big corporations keep lobbying to hold back meaningful change. That doesn’t mean our choices don’t matter. They do. But not because they “fix” the climate by themselves. They matter because they set an example, they send signals, and they remind us we are part of a movement. Still, the greatest impact comes when we lift our eyes beyond our own driveways and kitchens. When we write to our local press, speak with councillors, or flood MPs with letters, we shift the conversation. When communities act together, politicians can no longer ignore the pressure. So don’t beat yourself up for keeping your family comfortable. That’s love. Use the energy you would have spent on guilt to make noise in places that ripple outward. Personal action + political pressure — that’s where our generation still has real power to hand over a better future.

If you wanted to you could write to your MP or the local press. Here is a draft of a letter you might send to your MP: Dear [MP’s Name], I’m writing to you not just as a voter, but as a father, husband, and neighbour who is trying to do his part in the face of the climate crisis. Like many, I’ve been told that the responsibility lies with me as an individual — drive less, heat less, consume less. And I do what I can. But the truth is, the sacrifices I make at home will mean little if they are not matched by bold systemic change. Here’s what I mean: - I want to cut down on driving, but public transport isn’t reliable enough to get my daughter to work comfortably and safely. - I hate burning natural gas to heat a pool, but my wife depends on swimming for her health. - I even consider trading my old Mini Cooper for an electric car, but I know that one household swap is a drop in the ocean compared to what’s coming out of Alberta’s tar sands. - The point is this: individuals can’t carry the weight of this crisis on our own. If every Canadian family lived as frugally as possible, the tar sands alone would undo those gains many times over. That’s why I’m asking you to act: - Push for a clear plan to phase out fossil fuel extraction in Canada, with a just transition for workers. - Invest in reliable, affordable public transport and safe cycling/walking infrastructure so people actually have alternatives to cars. - Incentivise renewable energy solutions for households, including those with special health needs, so families don’t have to choose between wellbeing and the planet. - We need leadership that takes the pressure off individuals and squarely onto the corporations and industries driving this crisis. Please use your voice in Parliament to demand this shift. Our children will ask what we did when we had the chance. I hope you’ll be able to say you stood on the side of meaningful action. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address]

@David Powell Thank you, feel free to point out what I am missing and any hyperbole you spot!

@Geneva Calton Start on Course 0 in Classroom. Let me know what you think I missed, and let me know if you find anything unclear.

@Jan Bürger Thanks - love your energy levels!!!

@Janay Trevillion Thank you. I'll share my self-review when I complete it!

Hi David - thanks for being one of the founding members. That place of having done the essentials and finding that, apart from a warm fuzzy feeling of doing good, you find that climate change has not been reversed is precisely what this is all about. What do you do after you have done the personal stuff? That is what this community is all about.