Unleashing Climate Superpowers: How Nations Can Lead the Fight Against Global Warming

It’s been a tough week, hasn’t it? I’ve been working hard to find my place in this wild world. I’ve written a letter to the 100,000 people on the Third Act mailing list about what we’re planning. You can check it out even if you’re not over 60! I also shared my thoughts in a New Yorker article regarding the president’s self-proclamation as a monarch. At the heart of America is the idea that we don’t have kings. But amidst the chaos, we all need a little inspiration. Let me introduce you to two remarkable women who are making a difference in the climate fight.

First is Antonique Smith. She recently released a new version of her song, “Love Song to the Earth,” with composer Toby Gad. This song first came out in 2015 with big names like Paul McCartney and Jon Bon Jovi. It was meant to rally support for the Paris Climate Agreement. Now, it feels timely for a reboot, and Antonique, whom I met years ago in L.A., is just the person to do it. I remember sitting in a church, listening to her perform Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me.” Her voice was stunning then, and it’s even richer now. You can feel the church’s spirit and the planet’s pulse in her music.

But Antonique is more than just a singer. She’s become an influential climate activist. Alongside Rev. Yearwood, she co-hosts a podcast and has launched Climate Revival to bring climate awareness to the Black church. We chatted recently, and here’s what she had to say:

1) What inspired your new song?

It started with Toby Gad and Natasha Bedingfield in 2015 when the UN wanted an anthem for the Paris Climate Agreement. We performed it at a rally, hoping to make a difference. After founding Climate Revival, I realized how important this song still is. My version is stripped down, just me and Toby on piano. It’s heartfelt and I hope it brings people together during such divided times.

2) What emotions do you feel when singing such powerful songs?

When I sing “Mercy Mercy Me,” I feel sadness over our worsening climate. “Here Comes The Sun” gives me hope, but also reminds me of the melting ice. There’s a blend of heartbreak and optimism in both songs for me.

3) How does your experience as a Black woman shape your music?

Nina Simone’s rendition of “Here Comes The Sun” truly inspired me. As a Black woman, it’s like she’s singing directly to me, reminding me to hold onto hope. The current state of our world can feel heavy, especially after recent political events, but I’m striving to move forward with faith and love.

4) Why did you start Climate Revival?

Frustrated by the impacts of climate change, I wanted to bridge the gap between faith communities and the climate movement. We aim to inspire action through music and storytelling, focusing on the impact of pollution in communities of color. We need to show that climate change affects us all.

5) How do you cope in today’s challenging environment?

These times are tough, and I’m leaning on family and love to keep motivated. I remind myself to take care of my spirit, so I can keep fighting for what matters.

Now, let’s talk about Jessie Diggins. She’s a midwestern athlete and an Olympic medalist in Nordic skiing. Jessie is not just an incredible athlete but also a fierce advocate for climate action. She’s been vocal about eating disorders and climate change, partnering with the organization Protect Our Winters. This month, she’ll debut race suits featuring a melting glacier to raise awareness at the Nordic World Championships in Norway. Here’s what she shared with me:

“I’m proud to wear these suits—they visually convey our message. It’s about standing up for our planet and future generations, not just winning races.”

When I asked her about representing the U.S. right now, she said:

“I feel I represent the fans of U.S. skiing, not just the government. My focus is on our commitment to protecting the planet, and I hope the suits spark conversations about climate change.”

I also asked her how she would communicate with influential leaders:

“We all need to see climate change as a common issue. We must use technology to create meaningful solutions for our planet’s future. Individual actions matter, but so do big policy changes.”

Listening to both Antonique and Jessie gave me a boost. We need a mix of knowledge and heart in the fight for our planet. Let’s keep supporting voices that inspire change.