I understand that I live in a city, and you don’t have as clean air as you would in the country. I also understand that the climate crisis is not isolated to just New York City, and the actions we take in our city are affecting the Earth (even the cleaner air in the suburbs).

I understand that most of the ruining of our climate is not just due to individuals. Large corporations all over the world are to blame for most of the mess we are in, as well as the governments across the globe not doing more for their citizens. I also understand that small changes on an individual level are additive, and if, let’s say, idling stopped and was largely enforced in New York City or even on my block alone, it would make a difference to the Earth.

I understand that it is my civic duty to vote so that the party I favor can make changes to help society. I understand that change takes time and that people have to be motivated to make those changes: Perhaps getting a $250 fine for idling your car might stop you from idling your car and making the changes that would help the Earth.

I understand that there are so many things wrong in the world, and more specifically our country. I understand that abortion rights, voting rights and gun laws are so important. But I also understand that if we don’t protect the Earth, that larger problems are looming towards us.

I understand that companies are saying by this date we will be carbon neutral (O’Hare Airport-carbon neutral by 2050, not that impressive). I also understand that faster and bigger actions need to be taken now. I understand that New York City enforcing the idling laws can start to make a dent in the city’s air and the climate crisis.

I understand that climate change is not my fault (thanks for the reminder Deliver Zero). I also understand that my fears and the fears of others are real and can be all consuming. I understand that the time to act was 50 years ago when the anti-idling law was put into place, but we can still act now.

I understand that New York is a large city and there is a lot of red tape in everything. What I don’t understand is why I was recently told, there does not seem to be a lot we can do about enforcing the anti-idling law because of all of this red tape. I am not asking for a new law. I am not asking for a law that would just benefit me personally. I am asking the city to enforce a law they made before I was born, that can make them a lot of money and benefit the Earth.

I will never understand why people don’t want to do more to help the Earth and as a by product themselves.

My bee friend giving me a little hope.