I am a mid-career professional Canadian woman. I am married, and we live comfortably together with our awesome cat in Ottawa, Ontario. After growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia I really miss the ocean. I am a runner, a reader, and an avid science fiction fan. I appreciate a nice cup of tea.

And I am taking a one-year leave from my job to focus on climate activism.

I believe the scientists telling us that climate change is an existential threat, and that it’s coming much faster than most of us expected. I believe that we can still influence how bad it’s going to get, but that window is rapidly closing. I think this is the most important issue facing humanity right now, and maybe ever.

I’m doing this not because I think I can single-handedly change the world but because I feel a responsibility. I am incredibly fortunate: safe and secure, financially comfortable, and living in a country where speaking out doesn’t put my life in danger. I believe those of us who CAN take action MUST take action. If not me, then who? If not now, when? When it’s an emergency you drop everything and pitch in.

I also picture myself when I’m 80 years old, long after these crucial years when we can still make a difference have passed. We are on track to be living in a world that is unrecognizable by then. To be able to live with myself, I need to be able to look back and know that I did everything I could.

I acknowledge the incredible privilege I have to be able to pause earning an income for a year. I am grateful to my husband for supporting my plan, and to my family and friends who have encouraged me.

I started this blog as a way to share information about climate change and about my journey this year. I plan to share what I learn along with concrete actions and ways to get involved. I’m figuring it out as I go, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it becomes!

I hope you’ll follow along and actively engage. Read, comment, and most importantly, ACT.