Climate justice organizations are launching a national tour to promote the Green New Deal and advocate for bolder federal climate action. Led by the Green New Deal Network, the tour will feature Green New Deal champions such as Senator Ed Markey and representatives Ilhan Omar, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, and Summer Lee, along with local advocates. The goal of the tour is to showcase widespread support for decarbonizing the US economy and creating millions of jobs. Advocates argue that the Green New Deal is necessary to repair the damage caused by the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis and provide resources for all individuals to thrive. The tour will emphasize the potential impacts of the Green New Deal at the local and state levels, with a focus on building up renewable energy infrastructure, improving public transportation, and creating climate-resilient affordable housing. It will also highlight the disproportionate burden of pollution and inadequate energy access faced by frontline and BIPOC communities. Climate groups hope that a stronger climate platform will help President Biden win over young people who are disillusioned by his recent pro-fossil fuel actions. The tour is organized by a coalition of progressive environmental groups, social justice organizations, and labor unions [976f0731].
Local politicians and activists joined together to kick off a national tour of the Green New Deal on November 5th in Dearborn, Michigan. The rally featured performances by punk mariachi band Pancho Villa’s Skull and speeches by U.S. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell, as well as other state and local officials. The Green New Deal is a program that calls for 100% renewable energy by 2030, along with other initiatives such as a carbon tax, cleaner public transit, free college education, and guaranteed employment. Activist groups are demanding a yearly $1 trillion investment in climate control, education, labor representation, and social policy. They also want the government to create union jobs and declare a climate emergency. The rally attendees emphasized the importance of addressing environmental justice and pollution in communities, particularly in areas with high rates of cancer and asthma. They called for cleaner public transportation, better housing initiatives, and an economy based on renewable energy. The Michigan Legislature is currently working on rebuilding the state's energy laws to require a 100% cleaner gas and electric power standard for utilities by 2040. The rally also touched on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with some attendees connecting the struggle for sustainability to the occupation of Palestine. Overall, the rally aimed to promote the Green New Deal and push for comprehensive climate legislation. [bac7bd9f]
Green Day will headline a United Nations Human Rights-backed global climate concert on Tuesday at the famed Fillmore in San Francisco. The intimate event, co-hosted by the Recording Academy, aims to bring attention to the inequalities exacerbated by climate change. Ultra Q, an alternative rock band fronted by Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong's son Jakob Danger, will open. Proceeds from the concert will go to United Nations climate justice initiatives and a MusiCares climate fund to benefit musicians affected by climate change. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance will honor Green Day for their 'long-standing commitment to social justice and environmental causes.' Tickets will become available for purchase on Friday at 12 p.m. PDT via Ticketmaster. [4021aeb5]
Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall will deliver the keynote address at the seventh annual Starmus Festival in Slovakia. The festival, which is backed by the United Nations Human Rights, focuses on science, art, and music. Goodall's keynote will center around the theme of hope in these turbulent times. She believes that her purpose is to share hope and inspire action, emphasizing the importance of taking action locally and making a difference in one's community. Goodall finds hope in the young people involved in the Roots & Shoots program, the use of intellect for renewable energy, the resilience of nature, and the indomitable spirit of people who tackle seemingly impossible challenges. She also highlights the role of music in reaching people and inspiring change, mentioning musicians like Dave Matthews who contribute to conservation and the environment. Goodall discusses her transition to veganism and the importance of exploring animal behavior, noting that this is an exciting time to study animal behavior. Her main message is that every person has the power to choose what impact they make on the planet and highlights the need to address poverty, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and overconsumption. The Starmus Festival provides a platform for scientists, artists, and musicians to come together and explore the wonders of the universe and the potential for positive change. [1a475eb5]
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and climate activist, is working to change the narrative around the climate crisis from pessimism to cautious optimism. She is the founder of the Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focusing on climate and coastal cities, and has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and advised lawmakers on climate policy. In her upcoming book, "What if We Get It Right?", Johnson explores promising climate possibilities through interviews with leaders from various fields. She believes that there has been a concerted effort to shift the conversation around climate to a more positive tone [62e48c31].
Adenike Oladosu, a climate activist, has been appointed as Education Cannot Wait's (ECW) new Climate Champion. Oladosu calls on world leaders to connect climate action with education action to address the education/climate crisis. She urges world leaders to take strong action to insert education in the global climate agenda. ECW issued a global appeal for $150 million to support 2 million children impacted by climate change, armed conflicts, and forced displacement. Oladosu is the founder of the "I Lead Climate Action Initiative" and has mobilized millions of people to take action on climate change. The challenges of climate change are disrupting schooling and eroding education outcomes. ECW is delivering emergency grants and supporting climate-resilient infrastructure to address these challenges. By 2050, climate impacts could cost the world economy $7.9 trillion and force up to 216 million people to move within their own countries. Over 99% of children worldwide are exposed to at least one major climate and environmental hazard [12e2e65e].