Statement from Ken Berlin, President And CEO of The Climate Reality Project, On Violence At The Capitol

“Violence and chaos has no place in our country, and this week’s assault on the Capitol – fomented by the president of the United States – marks a dark day in our nation’s history. A peaceful transfer of power is the bedrock of American democracy and this attack was a fundamental threat to the values and ideals we hold most dear. The misinformation and conspiracies that have long sowed seeds of dysfunction, denial, and doubt about objective realities, such as the pandemic and the climate crisis, have now thrust the country into an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

“We would be remiss not to also acknowledge that the violent mob laying siege to our nation’s capital was a clear demonstration of unchecked white supremacy. While peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters were met with overwhelming force and violence on the streets of American cities this summer, insurrectionists were allowed to overtake the seat of the American government, despite months of warnings and planning out in the open.  

“But make no mistake: democracy has prevailed. On January 20, a new president, chosen by the overwhelming majority of voters, will be inaugurated, despite this brazen attempt to overturn the will of the people. If this week’s events taught us anything, it’s that our democracy is resilient, but fragile. We must all re-commit ourselves to defending and upholding our institutions to solve the problems facing our country, especially COVID-19, racial injustice, and the climate crisis.”