Climate Advocacy Still Viable, Says Oberlin Student

Holly Swiglo argues federal climate action is possible before 2028 despite doubts.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A serene oil painting depicting a single wind turbine silhouetted against a dimly lit small town, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet determination in the face of environmental challenges.A lone wind turbine stands as a symbol of renewable energy progress, even as climate advocates navigate the complex political landscape.Oberlin Today

In a letter to the editors of the Oberlin Review, college third-year Holly Swiglo argues that climate advocacy and federal legislation to address the climate crisis are still viable, despite the common belief that meaningful action is impossible until after the 2028 general election. Swiglo points to recent policy wins, including language from the PROVE IT Act being included in a funding package, as well as bipartisan proposals gaining momentum in Congress. She also highlights opportunities for climate action at the state and local levels, urging readers not to lose hope and to become climate advocates.

Why it matters

This letter challenges the notion that federal climate action is off the table until after the next presidential election, providing a more optimistic and proactive perspective on the current state of climate advocacy and policy. It encourages readers to stay engaged and continue pushing for change at all levels of government.

The details

Swiglo's letter highlights several examples of climate-related policies and legislation that have seen recent progress, including the inclusion of language from the PROVE IT Act in a funding package. This act requires the Department of Energy to report on carbon emissions from manufacturing, which Swiglo says promotes cleaner products and boosts domestic industry. She also mentions bipartisan proposals gaining momentum in Congress to address barriers to clean energy installation and prevent wildfires.

  • The PROVE IT Act language was included in a recently passed funding package.
  • Several bipartisan climate policies have been proposed and are gaining momentum in Congress.

The players

Holly Swiglo

A college third-year at Oberlin who wrote a letter to the editors of the Oberlin Review arguing that climate advocacy and federal legislation to address the climate crisis are still viable.

Oberlin Review

The student newspaper at Oberlin College where Swiglo's letter was published.

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What they’re saying

“Many advocates and individuals concerned about the climate crisis have come to the conclusion that federal legislation to address it is entirely impossible until after the 2028 general election. But this is simply not true.”

— Holly Swiglo, College third-year

“All this to say: we must not lose hope, and we must not wait. There is no better time than now to become a climate advocate.”

— Holly Swiglo, College third-year

The takeaway

Swiglo's letter provides a counterpoint to the common belief that meaningful federal climate action is impossible until after the 2028 election, highlighting recent policy wins and ongoing efforts that suggest climate advocacy can still be effective in the near-term. Her call to action encourages readers to stay engaged and continue pushing for change at all levels of government.