We Can Save the Earth

Wildfires in Australia, California, and the Amazon. Plastic in our oceans. Species going extinct. What's happening with our planet can feel so overwhelming that it's hard to know whether there's anything we can do. It's easy to believe that the problem is so big we shouldn't even try to make a difference.

The truth is, we've made so much progress already. After years of terrible air quality in the U.S., we decided we wanted to breathe clean air, made changes and sacrifices, and today our air is significantly cleaner. For years, coral reefs in oceans across the world have been struggling, but thanks to science, we've learned how humans are contributing to their loss, and now we work to protect and restore them.For too long, corporations were guided purely by profit, at the expense of the planet. But in recent months, Wall Street has recognized the important role businesses can play in environmental change. Today more brands are choosing become more sustainable. And this will only grow in the next decade. There is hope. We can create change.

This issue should not diminish the very real problems we have at hand. Climate change is real. It may be the greatest problem facing humanity. Creating change will be no easytask, but this issue should be a reminder that we have the ability to create positive change. We already have, and caring readers of this newspaper can lead the fight forward. Wecan make changes to our consumption, minimize our waste,advocate for solutions on a local and global scale — and most of all, bring others along for the journey.

My hope is that you'll leave this issue feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered to join in the fight for our planet. Thank you for working to make the world a better place.

-BRANDEN HARVEY, @BRANDENHARVEY