Boston’s climate plan balances activism with the art of the possible

Boston’s new climate plan is a wonderful illustration of the relationship between activism and politics (“Boston drafts climate program,” Metro, Aug. 5). Politics — famously defined as the art of the possible — is inherently incremental, built in small steps over time. Good politicians derive their power from the negotiations and compromises that bring large and diverse interests together.

Activism, by contrast, is an expression of immediacy in response to a pressing and unambiguous need. Good activists derive their power from resisting compromise and refusing to abandon the moral authority of conscience.

The work of good governance is to balance conscience and compromise, urgency and increment. As environmental chaos intensifies, we need politicians and activists on the same page, fighting to protect our city and our society. The city’s 62-page draft climate plan makes it clear that in a time of uncertainty and danger, Mayor Michelle Wu and her team have found the sweet spot.