2020: Planet's Future to Be Determined by 65 Worldwide Elections

By Brandon Pytel/Earth Day Network

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day comes during a big election year, with 65 major elections worldwide. And much more is at stake than politics — the future of the planet weighs on how people vote.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have 10 years to halve carbon emissions to avoid a climate catastrophe. But with world leaders dragging their feet, we’re heading the wrong way.

Nearly every country in the world has failed to meet goals set by the Paris Climate Accord, the international agreement to limit global warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels” this century.

And lately, the United States, the world’s second-largest carbon emitter, has been on an environmental rampage, cutting regulations for everything from methane emissions to car standards.  

But not all is hopeless.  

“I think that will build up a fairly strong constituency, and if we pull our act together, we can mobilize to reverse anything and stop anything not yet completed,” said Denis Hayes, the coordinator of the first Earth Day, in a recent interview with Earth Day Network.

Pulling our act together means showing up at the ballot box: People around the world must vote for candidates that support climate and environmental legislation. 

American environmental support has been rising since the 2016 United States presidential election — in February, a Pew Research Center survey showed that nearly as many Americans say protecting the environment should be a top priority (64%) as strengthening the economy (67%).

That, however, was before the coronavirus upended the U.S. Now, unsurprisingly, American priorities are shifting. Polls after primaries in Florida, Illinois and Arizona last month saw concern over climate change fall well behind the economy and income inequality.

But many people and organizations are working to ensure climate is still at the forefront of this election year. Earth Day Network is launching 24 hours of action on Earth Day, featuring voting, as well as the organization’s campaign Vote Earth, prominently in its programming.

“As voting citizens, we can drive change by making our voices heard,” said Will Callaway, Earth Day Network’s national campaign director. “The ballot box can be the best solution to political inaction.”

Despite social distancing mandates and large gathering bans, organizations are getting creative with encouraging others to vote.

“As a result [of the coronavirus pandemic], we have switched to using more innovative ways to engage young people digitally,” said climate activist Jerome Foster II in an email, citing YouTube videos, podcasts and live streams. “We can and will energize and educate via our influencer partners and empowering videos.”

Foster is the founder of OneMillionOfUs, a nonprofit with a mission to mobilize one million young people to vote in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. A successful 2020, to Foster, means one million young people voting against “the elected officials who are currently making decisions… that are destructive to our future.”

Those young people’s votes are crucial to electing a legislature that takes climate seriously. A recent survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that 80% of voters between ages 18–29 saw climate change as a “major threat” to humanity.

The challenge will be turning those worries into votes. In 2018, college voting doubled, compared to the previous mid-term election in 2014, according to a recent study by Tufts University. So, the real question is if that momentum can keep up in 2020.

Another way to increase voter turnout is just reminding a friend, neighbor or colleague to vote. Some voting organizations are even using technology to help connect peers at the polls.

People can also Pledge to Vote Earth, for updates and reminders ahead of elections. And U.S. residents can make sure they’re registered to vote.

With the pandemic driving demonstrations online, Earth Day will be much different this year. But the day is still coming at a crucial point for the planet. By capitalizing on the momentum of the environmental movement and voting for the right leaders, we can create a more sustainable future. 

“COVID-19 robbed us of Earth Day this year,” wrote Hayes in the Seattle Times, this month. “So let’s make Election Day Earth Day… This November 3, vote for the Earth.”

To commit to vote for the planet, go to Earth Day Network’s campaign Vote Earth. And on April 22, 2020 — the 50th anniversary of Earth Day — join us for 24 hours of action.

Brandon joined Earth Day Network in 2019 as a communications manager/writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and religion from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Cincinnati. Brandon previously worked as a marketing writer for the University of Cincinnati, covering and promoting stories in the engineering college. Outside of EDN, Brandon is storyboarding a children’s book and writing a rom com that he hopes his friend in film school will eventually direct.

Governor's Moves Toward "Reopening S.C." Unsafe

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Here's the latest date on COVID-19 Testing in South Carolina:

Negative tests from DHEC Public Health Laboratory 10,591
Negative tests from private laboratories 25,512
Total negative tests 36,103
Total positive tests 4,377
Total number of tests performed in South Carolina 40,480

That is a positive rate of 10.9 percent. The death rate is 2.8 percent.

Do these numbers suggest opening the beaches and other retail stores is a good idea?

I understand people are already ignoring caution, packing into Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, as if it's a holiday.

But does this mean we give in to those with no impulse control who are acting like toddlers wanting to be put down in heavy traffic?

Save your conspiracies, quotes from anyone who says the virus is not really so dangerous, because they don't hold water. Stop posting it's less dangerous than the flu, it's not. It's more than 10x as deadly, it's compressed into a short period of time and we don't fully understand it or have a vaccine.

It's also not a civil rights issue, at least not in the sense we've seen in the past. The civil rights marches seeking equality for all Americans, regardless of race, had an end game that aimed at extinguishing lynchings, racial discrimination in employment, housing and voting.

I was there for the later years in those marches, and they were focused and somber and for a greater good breaking a history of violence and discrimination.

They were not about short-term inconveniences. It's easy to see these current and mostly voluntary restrictions (which is what they are) are temporary. I can't help but wonder how the protests in some states would be received if it were heavily armed young African-American men standing not the courthouse making veiled threats.

That's not to say many local businesses have not been wounded, some deeply, mine included. I'm not making light of that, I promise. It hurts. Our restaurants, beauty salons, some small manufacturers, hotels, photographers, realtors, insurance providers, and others have been hit hard by the shutdowns. It's serious.

If we'd only taken action in early March, we'd likely be on the other side of it now. But we are not. Less than 10 percent of the state's population has been tested, and it's an established fact that many are virus carriers with no symptoms. Look at the recent funeral in Sumter where so far six elderly people have died after contracting the virus at a loved one's service.

But since South Carolina's governor is rushing to spread the virus now (keep in mind his permission is not a medical "get out of jail free card," based on any scientific decisions, or a medical evaluation), at least wear a mask when you go out and wash your hands often. Can you do that for the vulnerable populations in your community (or wherever you are vacationing)?

We've moved from a confusing definition of "essential" businesses (you already know which ones on the list make no sense other than politically), to a "don't go out unless you want to," to "the hell with it, go ahead a go on vacation, get back out and shop and put retail workers at risk, and do whatever you want." For some reason, the only rented mules in these decisions are restaurants, many of whom which are struggling to survive at this point. It's bizarre that the governor sees shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in hardware stores as essential (there is no way these places are limiting the number of shoppers), but seems to believe restaurants, which could very easily limit customers at the door, dangerous.

We're all tired of quarantines, and many of us are burning through savings and cash reserves, and no one has the answer.

And that's where the fear and frustration are fueled. We want answers and quick solutions and there are not any. Which is why moving cautiously is the current path to wisdom and safety.

Current projections show a continued steady climb in cases in South Carolina, which ranks eighth nationally in cases per 100,000 citizens. (DHEC April 11 stats). They are projecting 8,677 by the week ending May 2, which is double the number of current cases today.

A more coherent and prudent approach is needed for South Carolina to return to pre-virus "business as usual." A strategic plan based on public safety and the best medical/scientific information is crucial.

Until then, those who take this virus seriously will be held hostage by those who are more eager to "get back to normal" than to keep our friends, neighbors and family safe.

Good Citizen Award: Bill Nickas Leaders with Compass, Example

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, the Observer will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Bill Nickas.

Full disclosure, Bill and I have been friends for many years, but this in no way diminishes his deserving recognition for what he has done - and continues to do - for our community.

It was 21 years ago when Bill and his late, great wife Sabra (who passed away this year and is equally deserving of this award) chose downtown Anderson as the place to launch Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill. At the time downtown was peppered with the old and new courthouses, lawyer’s offices, the old wig place and Big John’s and Murph’s were slowing dying. No one seemed to want to relocate downtown, much less start a new fine-dining restaurant.

There is no surprise ending to the story. Sullivan’s has been repeatedly listed as one of the top 100 restaurants in the nation, one of only two in South Carolina, and people drive from Charlotte and Atlanta to enjoy their food. They have been featured in Southern Living, on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and in too many other culinary publications to list here. (Whiling also serving the best lunch in town, something many seem to overlook.)

The reason? The food is consistently incredible, the atmosphere always great, and the service is unmatched.
But none of this was what first introduced me to what kind of person Bill Nickas is. It was at a charitable event, not too long after Sullivan’s opened its doors, that offered my first clue that Bill was an extraordinary person.

Many times restaurants which offer to host (and sponsor) charitable events - and I applaud all those that do, keep the menus very simple and basic for such events. But the event I attended featured some of almost everything on Sullivan’s menu, including their incredible desserts. I was gobsmacked by the spread, and I am rarely surprised. 

Putting out the best for charity, which is certainly not cost-effective on the accounting ledger, shines a bright light on character.

I knew then I had to get to know Bill Nickas, and over the years we’ve become good friends as I discovered the depth of his compassion and generosity goes beyond charity. While continuing to wildly support local charitable groups, he has also been a mentor and sometimes even father-figure to many of his employees and a number others who just needed someone to help them find their compass in life.

He has also served on the boards of so many local organizations and committeesI am not going to start listing them. Suffice to say, he is constantly working to improve our community at large, and not just his restaurant and catering business, a better place.

Thanks, Bill Nickas, for all you do for Anderson County. I feel blessed to be your friend.

Good Citizen Award: Laurie Ashley Makes a Difference

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Laurie Haltiwanger Ashley

Under her direction, Meals on Wheels of Anderson continues to provide hundreds of hot meals every day for our friends and neighbors in need. In many cases the visit from Meals on Wheels is the only human contact these folks get every day, making it a genuine ministry as well, feeding the body and spirit.

Laurie makes all this possible with endless hours of work, raising funds, recruiting volunteers, worrying about budgets, managing staff and building relationships with other non-profits/ministries which benefit every single person in Anderson County.

Laurie does this with kindness and an unmatched positive enthusiasm as she leads an organization that is one of Anderson County’s shining example of goodness, something we can all point to with pride.

The same goes for Laurie, whose commitment to making sure the homebound in our community are not forgotten is deserving of praise and support. Running a non-profit is one of those jobs where the hours and energy required are never anywhere near compensated on paper. It is a labor of love, and we can be grateful Laurie loves this community enough to accept the challenge.

You can show your appreciation by donating to Meals on Wheels of Anderson (use this link below, because there is another group attempting to create confusion by using a similar name), or by volunteering your time (even a few hours once a week will help) at 864-225-6800.

Thank you Laurie Ashley, for all you do to make Anderson County a better place to work and live.

Good Citizen Award: Angie Stringer a Bright Light in Anderson

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Angela Stringer.

Angie has not only given of her time and energy, she has poured out her heart to the Anderson community. As director of the Cancer Association of Anderson (founded by another amazing person, Kathryn Smith), Angie has helped countless of our friends and neighbors and their families as they navigate the frightening, confusing and often expensive world of cancer treatment.

Angie is also a big shot in the South Carolina State Guard, helping recruit and spread the word about as well as participating in the organizations efforts to help those in the state who need help recovering from natural disasters or other emergency situations. (She can also tell you all you need to know about plants and gardening).

Anderson is a better place because of Angie Stringer, and if you want to say thank you, donate today to the Cancer Association of Anderson. Search them of Facebook for details on how to give.

Good Citizen Award: Goetz Eaton Found Guilty of Life of Public Service

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Goetz Eaton.

Judge Eaton has spent a lifetime of public service in Anderson County. His behind-the-scenes work with numerous charities and personal generosity, especially to newcomers is a model to which we can all aspire. Did you know if 35 years ago he had not opened his home (and spoke French) the wildly successful Orian Rugs would have never landed in Anderson. 

His story is amazing. His parents fled Nazi Germany to Atlanta and settled in what is now Buckhead. Both were well educated and professors. 

This community is blessed that after graduating Ga. Tech and Emory Law School, he ended up spending most of his adult working life in Anderson. 

Thanks, Goetz Eaton, for your decades of kindness and community service.

Good Citizen Award: Count Rita Davis among the Best

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Rita Davis.

Rita is chief financial officer for Anderson County, and the administrator and county council depend heavily on her and her years of wisdom and skills in keeping our county budget lean and keeping our top-notch credit rating. This is no easy task. But she also has a heart as big as the historic courthouse.

For more than 20 years she has been an indispensable part of Shalom House Ministries, helping women struggling with drug and alcohol addiction through her committed hands-on support and advocacy. Her continual financial support of this ministry has made it possible to continue expanding the outreach and assistance to women in need.

Add to this an incredible servant’s heart and an astounding humility and it’s hard to imagine our community without Rita Davis. If you see her, thank her for her work.

Good Citizen Award: Craig Chappelear One of the Good Guys

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work by good folks.

The good citizen award for today goes to Craig Chappelear. 

Craig, who is well-known for his generousity, has been a driving force behind the success of one of the most important non-profits in Anderson, the Anderson Free Clinic, and has been wildly active in many other charities and causes. He also serves or has served on a number of boards including Tri-County Tech and the Anderson County Museum.

I have known Craig a long time, and he is really one of the good guys.

Thanks, Craig for your big heart for our community.

Good Citizen Award: Kay Burns' Story One of Good Works

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work.

The good citizen for Feb. 3 is Kay Willis Burns. Among the hats she wears is editor of The Electric City News, and Director of the S.C. Genealogical Society in Anderson.

Kay loves this community and is committed to telling the stories of its history and helping others find those stories about their own families.

She does so much more, and you should get to know her.

Thanks, Kay for all you do to make Anderson a better place to work and live.

Good Citizen Award: Tom Allen Hasn't Retired from Community Service

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During February, I will be highlighting some good eggs in Anderson County in the name of goodwill. I'll probably stick to alphabetical. No way I will get close to praising all who are deserving, but it is a start. These will not be detailed profiles, just highlights of good work.

Today I present Col. Tom Allen as the citizen of the day.

Since landing in Anderson after being exiled from Ohio, this Vietnam veteran has been a real blessing to Anderson County.

From his more than a decade of dedicated service on county council, to his contributions to a number of other organizations, Tom has been a sparkling example of what it means to be a good citizen in this community.

Those who know him can testify that he is a good friend and a good guy.

Thanks, Tom, for all you have done and continue to do for Anderson County.