Climate change is one of the most pressing threats humanity has ever faced, and to address the warming world and devastating impacts it it clear that we need each and every person on Earth to act now. Women are essential in this fight, as they experience climate change in unique ways, and offer an important perspective when it comes to effective solutions.
In recognition of the power of women, we’re introducing a series of interviews with women in our global network to collect their thoughts on activism, climate change, and how to take care of yourself in a warming world. Hailing from different parts of the globe, their perspectives differ, yet they are united in their mission to protect our planet for generations to come.
Meet Terry Odendahl, the retiring President & CEO of Global Greengrants Fund, based in Boulder, Colorado. Terry has been an activist for 50 years, has extensive experience in philanthropy and anthropology, and has served as the President of Greengrants for the past 11 years. You can read more about Terry here.
Here’s Terry’s story:
Being an activist is part of who I am. It began about age 13, in the 1960s in support of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States; then the Anti-Vietnam War and Student Movements; and in 1970, I led a group that planted trees on my high school campus in support of the original Earth Day. I have always been a feminist, a natural outgrowth of the other causes about which I felt deeply, and because as a woman, it affected me personally. I literally grew up during the Second Wave of Feminism.
Why do you believe that we need women in the fight against climate change?
Women are half of humanity and we need to be in every fight. Yet my biggest fears when it comes to climate change are mass migration, poverty, starvation, civil and world wars, and no grandchildren. No kidding! For others seeking to addressing climate change, I would advise that they start with themselves, their families and their communities. Here in the US, at the most personal level we can become vegetarians, drive electric and hybrid cars, turn lights out more often, and travel less. We can also join advocacy groups such as 350.org, Extinction Rebellion, and local efforts against fracking and the like. We must elect leaders who believe we have a climate crisis and urge them to take action now. We can financially support grassroots efforts all around the world.
This work can be very challenging. How do you take care of yourself?
My spirituality. To protect the Earth and its inhabitants, we first need to protect ourselves. I could do more to take care of myself. Regular massages are a dream.
What’s your favorite book?
Margaret Atwood is probably my favorite living novelist. So many of her books are relevant to what’s happening in the world today: The Handmaid’s Tale and now The Testaments, as well as the MaddAddam Trilogy, to name a few.