The first step towards a true transition away from reliance on fossil fuel is sharing the truth about the devastation and deaths that are its result — not to mention the outrageous profits the fossil fuel companies are making, and will continue to make, in spite of clear evidence that the way to stop climate change is to stop burning fossil fuels.

I’m thinking a lot about leadership lately — or rather, the lack of it. There is an urgent need right now for leaders who will lead differently. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, a world leader who confirmed for me that it’s possible to lead differently and get stuff done.

The new Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum will expand the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women — individually and collectively — to better understand our past and inspire our future. Our mission is to create space for women's history on the National Mall in Washington, DC, deepen our nation's stories, and inspire conversation, connection, and change. Join us!

A focus on the dangers and impacts of climate change, while important, is only part of the solution. Climate doomism, that overwhelming feeling that things are so bad there is nothing we can do, is real and, in my opinion, equally dangerous.

As we near the end of the hottest year on record, some good news for the planet. The COP28 Global Stocktake agreement has been signed, sealed and delivered, and for the first time ever, nearly 200 countries declared that the age of fossil fuels must come to an end. Now the real work begins.