Power to Patagonia- the Patagonia Action Works program is in place to create an outlet for everyone to make a real difference in this environmental crisis.

At this point, the environmental crisis we have created for ourselves needs to be acted upon from a perspective purely based on facts, not politics or any hidden agendas. The Earth is deteriorating; rain forests are being cut down at rates of 100 acres a minute.

The coral in our oceans are bleaching which is caused by the increase of ocean temperature “An underwater heatwave has caused coral bleaching on 93% of the reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Up to 50% of corals in the worst-affected regions may die as a result of this bleaching,” said David Attenborough, a veteran broadcaster and naturalist. The facts are supported by scientists who have collected data from different studies to prove them.

“I teach environmental science. It’s crunch time for Planet Earth, it really is, it doesn’t feel that way because even though it’s happening in a blink of an eye, a blink of an eye for Earth is 150 years and that’s like two lifetimes for people on Earth Geologically it’s a blink of an eye. I think our well being, even potentially our existence depends on understanding environmental issues and then dealing with them.” said Mark Dimaggio, GEO teacher at PRHS.

“According to the best current estimate, deforestation is responsible for about 10 percent of all global warming emissions” said the UCS, or the Union of Concerned Scientists.We can all recycle and shorten our showers, but plastic water bottles are still going into garbage cans everyday and littering our oceans. The Patagonia Action Works program is designed to answer the question, “What can I actually do to make a real difference?” It is a monumental task, but with this program, local opportunities to help our environment are presented. Under-represented issues like the Arctic Refuge, an act to stop the law that permits oil-drilling, petition,have been brought forward with donation links that can be clicked or petitions that can be signed

When going on the site, the first step is to immediately enter your city and state then pick which issues you want to act on. As soon as you hit the explore button with your mouse, tons of local opportunities pop up. All you have to do is choose which one you would like to view and support. A unique part about this program is that there are multiple outlets to help by donating, volunteering at an event, and signing petitions for everything under the sun. The option is given to help your local community or anywhere in the world. Excuses can’t be made any longer, especially with this innovative program that allows you the experience to contribute in the community you live in. The Patagonia Action Works program connects communities to the environmental action groups that are active in their own county.

There are multiple different campaigns represented around the nation that you can act upon as well such as: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota that is threatened with a proposed sulfide ore mining operation that would be devastating to the area, or the Coosa River Basin Initiative in Georgia that empowers citizens to protect the most biologically unique river in North America. Patagonia only gives the attention to serious organizations that are dedicated to making a long- term difference. Clearly advertised on their website “We give grants to organizations that identify the root causes of problems and approach issues with a commitment to long-term change. Because we believe that the most direct path to real change is through grassroots momentum, our funding focuses on organizations that create a strong base of citizen support”.The only way to tackle this issue is to start now.

Patagonia has created an outlet for endless amounts of opportunity for you to make a difference with absolutely no excuses. Can’t make it to a local event? Donate or sign a petition to help make a real difference. There are multiple different outlets to choose from, and Patagonia has gone to the trouble of making sure the initiative is dedicated to long term change and dedication. Act now.