Sen. Joe Manchin is blocking any climate legislation and taxes on the wealthy, squashing what little hope remained of a reconciliation package to address the climate emergency. Though not surprising, this kind of short-sighted, self-interested cowardice is still unbelievable.
We’re watching unprecedented heat waves, wildfires, and climate terror that has become almost routine. All under the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s decision to limit the regulatory power of the EPA, and this latest obstructionism from Sen. Manchin.
For those of us dedicated to the climate justice movement this is a moment to pause, to grieve, to feel our feelings. And then to regroup and continue this fight. Getting involved in a local climate justice organizing effort is critical right now, as our movement needs every voice to counter the apathy and inaction of our national leaders.
Local Action on Climate
Examples of creative, effective climate solutions on the local level are cropping up all over the country. Though local governments often lack the funding or power to enact enough change to solve the problem alone, this work sets the stage for wider action, broadens support, and often side-steps the partisan hot-buttons that can derail progress in the current national political environment. We were excited to read this summary of some fantastic local work, and are proud of our own local efforts in Sonoma County, CA and Acton, MA, which continue to grow and generate creative solutions that lower emissions and bring material benefit to frontline communities.
The Environmental Protection agency has launched a clean school bus program, providing $5 billion over five years to school districts across the US to convert school bus fleets from diesel to electric and prioritizing under-resourced school districts. We Act, an environmental justice non-profit, offers this guidance to those who wish to take advantage of the program. Applications for funding are due by August 19,2022.
Team Spotlight
Meet Meghann Beer, Co-Leader and Director of Resource Mobilization and Strategy for The Climate Mobilization and Climate Mobilization Project. Meghann brings more than 20 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience to our team. For over a decade Meghann has worked as a nonprofit consultant helping organizations expand their capacity, secure revenue, develop successful strategies, and effectively evaluate their programs, enabling them to create greater positive change in the world. She has also worked as an executive director, designed and facilitated international service learning experiences, and taught university courses in fundraising and nonprofit management. Meghann earned a MPA in Nonprofit Management and Comparative and International Affairs from The School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, in Bloomington, IN and a BA in Art History and American Studies from Tufts University in Boston, MA.
We’re Hiring!
We’re seeking a part-time, temporary consultant to support the development of ambitious frameworks and solutions to the global climate emergency through December 2022. Please pass this opportunity along to anyone you know who might be interested! Find out more at gotcm.org/jtpolicy.
Good Reads
In the midst of the climate emergency, a homeowner’s association in North Carolina was trying to block rooftop solar installations for aesthetic reasons. Luckily the North Carolina Supreme court has ruled against the HOA and created protections for homeowners across the state.
Check out this video from The New York Times explaining the latest efforts of corporations to greenwash and convince the public that they are taking climate change seriously. Touting commitments far out in the future, relying on yet-to-be developed technologies, and carrying on with business as usual, major companies (including oil and gas corporations) are using “net-zero” language to trash the planet, while appearing to participate in solutions.
This article from Yes! Magazine explains how rushed development, focused on resource extraction has left postcolonial cities in the global south particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Rooftop gardens in cities in Bangladesh and Egypt are cooling the buildings they cover, and reducing energy use and air pollution.
Support this work!
We need your help to stand up to inaction and apathy in the face of the climate emergency. Support this work with a monthly donation to help us build power and properly resource communities who are doing the hard work of creating the world we deserve.
