To the Journal editor:

A discussion does not take place when a home is being engulfed in flames brought by winds following a drought, or a hurricane floods up to the roof and washes away nutrient-sustaining vegetation and contaminating water tables beyond, or when power lost in a winter storm becomes a threat to human safety.

In brief, action is what takes place within an instant.

Earth, our home, is increasingly impacted with these events.

Events that displace lives are chaotic and lamentable. And although there are school cafeterias that may provide temporary housing and donations of clothing, citizen energy and food along with health care. The losses are immeasurable.

We Akwe:kon (Iroquis): all of us can do more with actions large and small, than have discussions, now, about atmospheric pollution, damaged soil and toxins in drinking water.

We can move beyond having discussions about climate change.

Climate is both a part of and a result of what we choose to do — take action — with what breath we have available to us now.

From near what’s left of the shores of Chi goo-mee/Lake Superior.