Walking for the Climate
Published: August 5, 2009
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Local environmentalists Olga Jendrek and Vera Scroggins joined Greta Browne, near Kingsley in her walk to raise awareness about climate change. Browne, a 65-year-old grandmother, is walking the entire Route 11 corridor.
A 65-year-old, Bethlehem area grandmother of three has taken to the road to raise awareness and spark dialogue about climate change.
Greta Browne is walking the Route 11 path from New Orleans to the Canadian border. She passed through Susquehanna County last week.
Browne said she is very concerned about global warming and the dire predictions about the climate. “It makes me sick at heart at what we are creating for our children and the vulnerable people around the world,” said Browne, as she walked a stretch of road between Hop Bottom and Kingsley last Wednesday.
Now about three-quarters of the way through her journey, Browne says she has received varied responses to what she ids doing but most are positive, favorable and enthusiastic.
She has had a few people roll their eyes and shout at her as they pass by and see her “Walking for Climate” t-shirt. But Browne said those occurrences are occasional and rare.
She recounted meeting a man in a Mississippi tavern who read the flyer she passes out along her travels that explains her mission.
“Drive less, drive slow,” she said he questioned doubtfully.
The Mississippi man was adamant that he couldn’t give up his barbecue but Browne asked him to pick one item from the list of suggestions and start with that. Browne, although not a vegetarian, also advocates eating less meat and buying locally grown produce.
“All of these trucks barreling by are hauling stuff we’re going to buy,” she said. “Send a message with your pocketbook.”
On a slow day, Browne said she sees at least 300 cars, most days she sees at least 1,000 vehicles pass by her.
“It’s all incremental. I’m just a drop in the bucket,” said Browne. Although Browne is a self-described environmental activist, it is just one of many hats she wears. She has been a Green Party candidate for elected office; she is an ordained Universalist minister; and she is a marriage and family counselor who has put her life and job on hold during the months of her walk.
“My main hat for this trip is as a grandmother,” said Browne. “We’re all in this together.”
Browne advocates for individuals to take measures to conserve and reduce their carbon footprint. But she also believes governments play a role, too. “Individual measures are important but we need big measures,” said Browne.
She would like to see global warming education mandated in all curricula and the development of local and national transit systems.
She is also in favor of subsidies for small, diversified farms and the elimination of subsidies for high carbon food industries.
Browne also advocates for the development and use of alternative fuels, such as solar and wind.
She began her journey in New Orleans in March and will finish at the end of Route 11 at the Canadian border on August 29.
Not only has she walked to raise awareness for climate change but also to achieve a personal sense of serenity.
“Overall, it’s been excellent. People have been courteous and welcoming,” said Browne. “It’s been beautiful. I’ve gotten to know the America of the Route 11 corridor.”
