President Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord, saying that “America first” meant that commitments made previously by the U.S., and virtually all other countries on the planet, to reduce carbon emissions are too costly, too burdensome, and too unfair for us to bear. Fundamentally, this decision reflects the belief that climate change is neither a serious problem nor human induced.

What’s next for efforts to mitigate climate change? For global action? American leadership? Renewable energy? Science?

Here at Planet Forward, we are focused on innovations, the science and the stories that can inspire us and move our planet forward.

The time is now, more than ever, to engage in a meaningful conversation about our planet’s future.

Raise your voice. Weigh in. Tell us in a 300-750 word written or 1-2 minute video essay:

• How does leaving the Paris Accord change the way we tell the climate story?
• How will the departure affect your life, your studies or your line of work?
• How do you think leaving the Paris Accord will affect the innovations needed to “move the planet forward”?
• How can we better tell the story of our planet — in a way that compels and engages us, rather than divides us?

Let’s embark on this story together. Share yours with the Editor at editor@planetforward.org. We’ll consider your essay for publication on planetforward.org.

— The Planet Forward team