This was published in a local #Maine newspaper (and also online). More of this, please...!
Show up for your neighbor: #ClimateCrisis and Inequality at Home
January 30, 2026
By Caitlin Marshall
"When we talk about climate change, we can talk about greenhouse gas emissions, CO2 levels, and kilowatts of renewable energy. These are all key metrics that ensure we’re grounded in solid science as we find a better way forward. But we also need to talk about people. The climate crisis has always been about inequality among people.
#ClimateChange Displaces Millions
Globally and locally, those who bear the highest burden of pollution and vulnerability to climate disruption are our #BIPOC neighbors. And one of the threads of that truth is climate migration.
In the coming decades, climate change will displace millions of people worldwide. Most will be from the Global South, whether directly to escape rising seas and polluted land or indirectly when climate instability exacerbates political instability.
We might meet this with worry. Or we can be inspired by a different perspective. As #SinafekeshGirma writes, we can 'move beyond viewing migration as a crisis, recognizing its power to advance resilience, inclusive policies, increased adaptation financing, and community-led solutions.'
#BuildingResilience in Maine
So what does that mean right now? That means pitching in to support our current #MigrantCommunity in Maine. When we see climate change and #RacialInjustice as interlinked problems, we can also see that the solutions are interlinked.
For some ideas on where to start: Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, and Maine Equal Justice.
Showing up for each other today is not only the right thing to do, but it also keeps building our resilience and skills. It prepares us for a future climate-changed world.
Right here in Portland, we are going to keep seeing climate challenges that ask us to help each other in times of need. Practicing now builds the muscle of resilience, of care. It asks us to be creative, and bold. It forces us to look around and see that change has always, always been part of our story.
We can lean into our community spirit, and in the words of Maine Youth for Climate Justice, create a 'livable future where we can all thrive.' "
Source:
https://thewestendnews.com/show-up-for-your-neighbor-climate-crisis-and-inequality-at-home/
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MutualAid #WestEndNews #PortlandME #LivableFuture #NewMainers #MIRC #MIRS #ILAP #MaineEqualJustice #PortlandClimateActionTeam #MaineYouthForClimateJustice
