While focusing on connecting real-life examples to public health issues that matter to families, I received some moving feedback from parents who realized that these issues aren't individual failures and that they don’t have to accept things as they are. Several people reached out to thank me for connecting the dots, with one parent sharing: "Thank you for showing how much agency we have as parents, and as voters! Keep these videos coming and the awesome work Boundless is doing to educate and advocate!"

But recently I’ve had to face a tough truth: we cannot parent away a changing climate or a toxic environment.

My son came home from camp with a raspy cough, and eyes that were itchy, watery, and red. Seeing him struggling, I went into automatic doctor mom mode. I was certain I’d given him his allergy meds that morning and changed the air filters. I thought I was managing it…but it clearly wasn’t enough.

It is easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer scale of the climate and health problem. You might think, “I’m a researcher, a nurse, an epidemiologist, a policy analyst; not an activist.” Here’s a little secret: advocacy isn’t an all-or-nothing commitment. It is a ladder.

Your unique voice as a trusted health leader is one of the most powerful tools you have to fight climate change.