In a cold drizzle with strong winds up to approximately 200 people from 5 to ?? came together to express their concern regarding global warming and to share ideas about actions to be taken in the Columbus, Ohio area. In spite of the dismal weather, many arrived on bicycles and most stayed to the end.

At the statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, we had exhibitors from non-profit groups, environmental and progressive groups, a county governmental agency and a solar company.

We had ten speakers address issues of climate change ranging from scientific evidence and economic factors, to public policy issues and views from the state, city and county perspectives. Useful advice and practical suggestions were offered for our personal lives as well as encouragement to ACT NOW for the benefit of all.

Petitions were signed and the crowd rallied to send our message to congress!

It was a cold and rainy day in Columbus, Ohio for the StepItUp event. But the enthusiastic crowd was determined to make the event a success. The silver lining of the bad weather was that speakers gave up on relying on their notes, which were wet and sagging, and spoke from their hearts.

I had the privilege of being the last speaker and addressed the issue of how oil and natural gas depletion will tempt the world to move to coal. This will be a catastrophic mistake for a much better approach is to re-localize our lives and begin building of a community free from the ravages of globalization. The solution to global climate change and depletion of fossil fuels is the same. Namely learn to get by with less.

Sincerely, Seppo Korpela

Press Coverage included The Columbus Dispatch and WCMH TV.