Well, she was right on both counts.

The mayor was referring to Lake Superior's impact upon Duluth's shoreline, but her words should serve as a warning to all of us concerned about the city's future, with the growing challenges and complexity of climate change.

Duluth is already being impacted in so many different ways. We have lost 29% of our total bird population, microplastics have been discovered in the western basin of Lake Superior, and the average rate of warming lakes across the globe is .34 degrees Celsius per decade with Lake Superior heating up at three times that pace.

Talking about community has to be more than a rally call or campaign slogan. We need to explore how to engage and educate all citizens on using the tools of community-building to create a more resilient, sustainable, and environmentally just city. Maybe Duluth could even establish a clearinghouse of information and resources on establishing intentional communities, like Loaves and Fishes, where people could share such things as living spaces and meals.

There is so much our city can do. But we aren't. There seems to be a certain amount of resistance among some of our government and business leaders to address climate change and to reach out to the greater community for collaboration and a collective response.

It reminds me of the days when I owned a car and took long trips. Im especially reminded of those late-night drives. I had to stay awake. If I didn't, I could have an accident, and someone could die.

So, is Duluth falling asleep at the wheel? Are we keeping our eyes open to how climate change has already impacted our city and on the road ahead with regard to what we need to do now as well as within the next 10 years? If we don't wake up and watch where we're going, will we crash?

It's time for all of us to come together. Time to show up. Time to speak up. Time to talk climate. And time to act on what we know and understand about climate change.

To our mayor: we need you. To our City Council: we need you. To the various boards and commissions that serve the public: we need you. To our many civic and corporate leaders: we need you. Help us stay awake so we can address climate change before it's too late. Before we all crash.

Where do we begin? Hold community conversations around the city where people share their concerns as well as their ideas and hopes on how to address climate change. Produce a weekly climate briefing on the current news about climate change and a calendar of upcoming events and projects. Develop a community-education class on living in a climate-change world.

Talk to mental health professionals about setting up support groups for people experiencing anxiety or depression. Enlist artists and musicians to provide creative outlets for exploring climate change. Reach out to the business community about establishing an incubator for new entrepreneurial ventures responding to climate change. Work with city government to develop a new vision and plan for the center city district that brings together the best ideas from urban planners, architects, community activists, and others.

The opportunities for our city to rise to the occasion are limitless. But will we take full advantage of this moment in time or will we fall asleep at the wheel?

Tone Lanzillo is a member of the Loaves and Fishes Community in Duluth and is a live-in volunteer at the Dorothy Day House.

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Local View Column: Duluth can't be asleep at the wheel on climate change - Duluth News Tribune