Use it to Start Some Broad, Bi-Partisan Dialogue
Winston Churchill is credited with the expression, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” The context was the end of World War II, one of the most destructive and tragic events in world history. And the opportunity he found in its aftermath was the formation of the United Nations.
There’s a lot to admire in this view, and I am reminded of it now, as we confront the horrific effects of our climate crisis — most recently with Hurricane Ian.
The hurricane was truly devastating. It took lives and livelihoods, destroyed hearth and home, and generally wreaked havoc. And we know this is not the end. We all have to worry about more and worse storms in our immediate future.
But rather than sit back and worry, we can instead look for the opportunities that this terrible crisis presents.
I think one smart action would be to encourage diverse groups of people to work together on solutions right now, while the consequences are still fresh. On many occasions I’ve seen people overcome division and tribal loyalties when they work together on solving future problems. Why not try that here?