A Lifetime of Advocacy
This past Friday, the world lost another icon of justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Affectionately known online as the Notorious RBG, she was an inspiring proponent of justice and equality.
A public figure of feminism even before her appointment to SCOTUS, Ginsburg championed equality for all citizens. Indeed, she dedicated a lifetime to it!
Justice Ginsburg embodied a profound understanding of democracy and she was a staunch defender of it. This commitment to democracy was clearly evident in her support and encouragement of justice and equality for all. It is also absolutely essential in our quest to combat climate change.
Leadership Through Crisis
We are in a climate emergency. Unfortunately for us, the very leaders elected to represent us, are not doing their duty. Rather than taking action to protect our future, they have become obstacles to justice and progress.
This is where we now stand in terms of the sustainability transition. We must therefore face two formidable challenges simultaneously. A crisis of both climate and democracy.
With regards to global warming and carbon emissions, we know what we have to do. It’s clear that we must rapidly decarbonize and change our pollutant & destructive practices if we are to avoid the worst of the climate crisis. To that effect, thankfully we have solutions!
What we lack however is political will. Our elected leaders have failed to realize the climate action we so desperately need. We therefore need new leaders, ones that can better represent our urgent need for sustainability.
To make that happen, we’re going to need collective action and political activism. That’s where the above quote from Justice Ginsburg couldn’t be more relevant. We need to “fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.“
The Ginsburg Legacy
Despite being 87 years old at the time of her death, Ginsburg still remained relevant and inspiring. In fact, young girls were even choosing to dress up as her for Halloween. It helped of course that there are several books written about Ginsburg, as well as a recent film and documentary.
Ginsburg was also working actively in her role as justice up till the very end. Often that included writing out powerful and scathing dissents in response to the ever-increasing number of conservative justices.
Ginsburg’s sharp dissent is also what helped her become known as the Notorious RBG. Click here to read a PBS collection of “5 of RBG’s Most Powerful Opinions.” Her sharp mind and advocacy for gender equality made her a hero to women across the country and beyond.
This too is an amazing legacy in the fight against climate change, as empowering women is considered a key solution to combating the climate crisis. Along with a lifetime of achievement, RBG’s greatest gift may very well be the inspiration she offers the next generation of activists.
RBG’s Final Wish
According to NPR, Ginsburg’s final wish to her granddaughter was that her Supreme Court seat would not be filled until after the US elections.
Sustainably Motivated 