Climate Action Now Monthly Gathering
Monday, August 22
7-8:30 PM
via Zoom Register in advance here
With the window of time to address the climate emergency narrowing, we will focus on what we can do in the places we live, how we can collaborate across cities and towns, and how we can maximize the power of local efforts.
The three areas we will explore include:
1) How we can maximize the effectiveness of city/town climate initiatives via a climate crisis director; insights drawn from a statewide roundtable organized by The Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition
2) Clearcutting our forests for solar is not a clean energy solution; updates from Smart Solar Shutesbury/Amherst
3) Requiring fossil fuel-free buildings in municipalities via Home Rule Petitions
After brief presentations we will roll up our sleeves and connect in break-out groups to learn more about one of these initiatives and to explore how we can work together to take action!
Liberty Mutual, Do Not Insure Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline!
Social media action starts on Monday, August 22!
The Stop Insuring TMX coalition has been pressuring the insurers of the Trans Mountain tar sands oil pipeline network to rule out support for the expansion project, because without adequate insurance coverage, oil cannot flow through the pipeline. Our prime target right now is Liberty Mutual, which has zero restrictions on insuring tar sands oil and has refused to rule out insuring the project for years, unlike 18 other companies. (Chubb dropped last year!)
Trans Mountain’s annual insurance policy expires on Wednesday, August 31, which means that Liberty has less than two weeks to make its decision to renew or cut ties. Liberty is highly sensitive to their brand image; hundreds or thousands of photos on social media will definitely get their attention. Will you join us?
Photo: Rene Theberge
New Climate Group in South Hadley!
South Hadley has a municipal light plant that sets it own energy policies. And yet, South Hadley has less than 1% renewable energy in its electricity portfolio. Sustainable South Hadley is a new group of South Hadley residents joining together with the goal of moving South Hadley's electrical supply toward renewables, storage, and conservation. South Hadley can be a part of the solution to the unfolding climate crisis. For more information send an email to sustainablesouthhadley@gmail.com. Like Sustainable South Hadley on Facebook.
Location: Hitchcock Center for the Environment Directions Date: August 27 from 1:30-5:30 Rain Date: August 28
Photo: Rene Theberge
Elders Climate Action
Deep Dialogue Mass Conversation Series
Special Guest - Sen. Michael Barrett
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
4-5:30 PM Zoom link
Please send your questions for Senator Barrett ahead of the meeting to Arnold.Epstein@comcast.net.
Photo: Rene Theberge
A Battle for Your Mind
Russ Vernon-Jones
love, justice, and climate change … I know you can make a difference.
Why are some people moved to take action as they learn about climate change and some are not? One key variable is whether you believe you might be able to make a difference, and whether or not you see yourself as significant, or potentially significant. If you believe you can make some difference you are much more likely to take action. Read more here
Little Leaders Summer Climate Convention
Do you know a young student interested in getting involved in direct action? If so, YCAN's upcoming Little Leaders Summer Climate Convention is the perfect place to start! We are committed to helping guide students through the process of finding their voices and amplifying their unique perspectives.
The weekend will be completely youth-led and centered around a series of interactive workshops on topics including environmental justice, creative climate action, and leadership training.
Learn more and register your Little Leader here:
Feel free to reach out to our youth leadership team with questions or concerns at youthclimateactionnow@gmail.com
The Climate Action Now media team is supporting a collaborative Instagram page called the Western Mass Climate Hub (@western.mass.climate).
Climate Action Now is a people powered, grassroots Western Mass organization dedicated to building a powerful, unstoppable climate movement. We work in our communities and in collaboration with diverse partners across the region to educate, advocate, and mobilize for climate justice. Climate Action Now is affiliated with 350.org.
Check outour website and join us at our monthly gatherings (4th Mondays of every month except December) to see how you can get involved in our many projects and campaigns. The Climate Action Now Steering Committee includes a representative from each working group and campaign. Climate Action Now warmly welcomes newcomers.
Let's work together to create an inclusive climate justice movement!
Please send feedback, comments, and suggestions to: Susan ThebergeNewsletter Editor
