Jeff Bezos, the wealthiest person in the world, has announced he is starting the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund to help fight climate change. I praise this as a good start. He notes that “big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals” all need to contribute to eliminating the greatest threat in the history of our species. I agree, and it starts with individuals.

Consider, Bezos just pledged $10 billion to support climate change efforts. Last year, Amazon donated $100 million towards environmental conservation. (Do you know how many 100 millions are in 10 billion? 100! We can’t even fathom 100 million, so just try to appreciate that 10 billion is A LOT.) And why did they? Because their employees demanded it and threatened to walk out.

Why do you think the Green New Deal is so prominently featured in Democratic primary campaigns? Because people have voiced it’s important to them, and it will help get that candidate votes.

Who starts international organizations dedicated to climate change? Individuals, outside of governments or big companies, who are deeply committed to solving this crisis.

It all starts with individuals. If we collectively live sustainably, and if we make our voices heard, big change will happen across these other large entities.

Thank you Jeff Bezos for keeping the ball rolling. We can beat this. Let’s keep pushing toward saving this big beautiful amazing world.