It’s becoming clear that climate change in Maine as a result of global warming could be devastating to the state’s economy, the health of people, animals and plants, and the recreational activities in Maine. Congress needs to act now to reduce carbon emissions nationwide and stop global warming. Become the voice and image of that message to Congress by joining us on April 14 at the Camden Snow Bowl from 11 a.m. to noon for one of more than 1,006 coordinated nationwide events.

“Step It Up Congress: Reduce carbon 80 percent by 2050” is our event’s rallying call. Join us and appear in the photograph of everyone holding the banner with that message and we’ll send it to Step It Up 2007, an organization started by Vermont author, Bill McKibben. All 1,006-plus events will provide photographs which will be sent to Congress, calling on the federal government to take immediate action to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming 80 percent by the year 2050. We’re hoping for photos of hundreds of thousands of people nationwide to send our message visually to our legislators.

Information will be available on small changes you can make to help reduce global warming, with a basket of low energy use items given away to one attendee. Both Efficiency Maine (a state agency) and the Natural Resources Council of Maine will provide helpful information on reducing energy use in the home and business.

As we watch the escalating effects of global warming, the Camden Snow Bowl could become the Camden Slush Bowl, rising sea levels could flood much of Maine’s coastline, and your pancakes will no longer have maple syrup on them. More serious issues could include the northward movement of diseases and disease carrying insects, increased chance of violent storms with damaging storm surges forcing a higher tide line, and drought.

Janet Redfield

Lincolnville

Kathleen Florance

South Thomaston