This letter to the editor was written by Ray Nakano and was published in the Globe & Mail on August 26, 2023.

You start by asking yourself why are the wildfires getting bigger, more intense and more numerous? It’s because of climate change. If you think further, you understand it’s because we are burning fossil fuels.

Your personal action plan should be directed to that goal: burning less fossil fuels. Drive less; switch to an electric vehicle; fly less; switch to an electric heat pump; eat less meat and dairy; tell your MP, MPP and city councillor that you want action on climate change; join or donate to an environmental group; attend protests; and vote.

Most importantly, talk about climate change. Unless we talk about it, we won’t do anything about it. If we do nothing, our climate crisis is only going to get worse. If we want a livable future for our children and grandchildren, we need to do everything we can. Doing something gives us hope. Doing nothing, there is none.

■ Ray Nakano Toronto