Note: This is an excerpt of an article that appears on the Madison Eagle.

“What is the number one thing you can do to protect the environment and tackle climate change? It’s simple: Vote for climate candidates. In all elections- from the very local all the way up to the federal level, candidates running for office will state their position on the environment and climate change and vote accordingly.”

Climate is not political. Climate teams in many towns include Democrats and Republicans. Climate action has been a plank in both Democratic and Republican campaigns. All of us need to make this a priority, keep discussing it openly and acting wherever sensible green and money-saving choices are open to us.

An easy way to assess the environmental records of state candidates is to visit the website of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and under the “Elections” tab look at their 2022 endorsements.

At the more local levels, our County Commissioners, mayors and Borough Council members all can either accelerate achieving a low-carbon future or, conversely, roll back the gains we’ve made.

The LCV has endorsed over 80 candidates for county and local elections in New Jersey, including the following candidates:

• For Madison Borough Council- Rachel Ehrlich (also endorsed by the Sierra Club) and Tom Haralampoudis

Arguably, the most important action any of us can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet is to vote for candidates who support these actions.

Editor’s note: The North Jersey Green column has monthly guest authors and is coordinated by the North Jersey Sustainable Municipal Alliance (NJSMA). Questions and comments can be sent to northjerseygreen@gmail.com.