(Cross-posted from Andrew and our friends at 1Sky)

From the Olympics, to Democratic and Republican National Conventions - not to mention getting ready for school—spare time is in high demand this fall. But with the presidential debates in only 57 days and the sprint to the finish in full swing, the time is ripe to tell Congress and the next President why climate matters.

There are only a few more weeks left before the end of the 1Sky and Brighter Planet Climate Matters Video Contest. But don’t worry. There is still plenty of time for you to get out and film your message before the September 22nd deadline — submit your entry today!

I know, I know…you are probably thinking, “I don’t have time to make a video, I don’t have my own production company like that 10 year-old Nikos.” Well I’ll let you in on a little secret. Shhhhh! Powerful videos aren’t necessarily the ones that are filmed, produced and edited flawlessly on an endless budget, but rather those with a powerful message that jump-starts change.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a camera and start filming! I know you have something to tell Congress and the next President—I’ve heard you yelling at your television—and now is the time for our leaders to listen. Right now the presidential candidates are making their final push for the finish and they are ready to listen to the America people. More importantly, they are ready to listen to you.

We’ve all heard the old and somewhat trite adage “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but it’s trite because there’s truth behind the statement. Video has the power to bring about change, and America’s energy policy is in dire need of rapid change. Our inaction over the last few decades has worsened the climate crisis and as you all know, the only way we can protect our world and the world for future generations is through swift action today. In order to do that we must show our out-of-touch politicians that we want action, and video has the ability to turn otherwise unseen images, concepts and ideas into powerful works of art.

For more information about the contest and to submit your video, check out the contest website: http://www.vimeo.com/climatematters

I’ll ask you one last time. What are you waiting for?