As much as it's awful to learn about all the greedy and selfish decisions that some people make, I know there are many more people who have good intentions.

Years ago, after I'd answered several questions from a group of teens, one of them asked how I could stay optimistic and keep on going. I answered that instead of getting sad, I get mad.

We need to invest in clean energy technologies. We need to rush them to market while rebuilding our energy networks intelligently. And it's imperative that we push toward a cultural shift away from energy waste to respectful conservation with fierce commitment that will carry us to the other side.

The imbalances in the climate have been brought on by the incessant push for more and more immediate wealth.

We have spent the better part of the last fifty years being inundated by advertising, being told that we will be happier if we get more stuff. But that's been backfiring recently.

Energy use, transportation options, food choices, water use, purchasing choices, participating in elections, volunteering for nonprofits . . . and within each of these categories, each of us can learn to live a more conscious life.

Money and stuff aren't what makes us happy. It's strong connections within families and friends, communities of people that truly care about one another.