We all know it can't wait any longer. 1 Sky seeks to galvanize a more powerful climate movement around a positive vision and a clear, simple set of goals and policy initiatives that are commensurate with the scale of the climate challenge. It is not a new institution or even a coalition. Its purpose is to communicate a vision and a simple set of goals around which a very diverse movement - with many audiences and organizing strategies -- can gather and gain power. It is being born from the collective urgency and determination of a diverse group of activists who believe that we must converge quickly and enthusiastically to form a movement capable of achieving solutions on the scale of the problem.
GOAL: To pass national climate policy legislation, scaled to the problem, in 2009. The legislation must both protect the climate and mobilize America to build a new energy economy by investing in people and communities.
WATCH: President of the Board, Betsy Taylor, explains the 1Sky concept.
WHY ANOTHER NEW THING? HOW DOES IT RELATE TO EXISTING EFFORTS? The emerging climate movement does not lack ideas, leaders, or organizing capacity. It lacks coherence and collective power. Inhibited by institutional imperatives and political constraints, we have not yet aligned ourselves (let alone America!) behind solutions as big as the problem.
This initiative will be designed to bring the movement together, but not under a single institution. The unifying force will be a common destination - a vision, a moral proposition, a policy program, and a communication strategy for real solutions that rise to the scale of the challenge. The institutional muscle for driving toward that destination is predominately the existing and enhanced capacity of current organizations.
Audiences: 1sky at its most basic level will be a big, bold call to America that speaks to defining and unifying American values. Resources will be targeted to focus on achieving our policy objectives as quickly as possible. The campaign and the message will be designed so that the core platform and message can be "wrapped" in messages and organizing strategies targeted to a wider array of audiences - as wide as the constituencies of the many partners and supporters of the initiative.
Policy: The 1sky policy platform will answer the question: "What is the core proposition that binds us together in a powerful, coherent movement, and how can that proposition be translated into a bottom line to which we can hold our leaders accountable?" It will be designed to support a huge and very diverse organizing and communication effort. It's not a targeted message piece. It's the core content and unifying proposition. We expect the platform to include the following specific features in some form:
1) Responsible, science-based cap (80% below 1990 by 2050, with interim/annual benchmarks), with proceeds from sale of emission rights devoted to public benefit (direct royalties and/or investments in transition) 2) No new coal until it can permanently prevent CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. 3) Strong standards for efficiency and renewables for both power sector and transportation. 4) Ambitious investments in people, communities, infrastructure, and technologies to build a clean energy future. 5) International re-engagement and leadership. 6) Specific features that jump-start a big, engaging mobilization (e.g., Green Job Corps, New Energy Future Fund/Authority.)
Take Action Are police spying on you, too? We have recently been notified that the Maryland State Police kept intelligence files on four members of the CCAN staff, including Mike, Anne and Josh. Outrageously, while peacefully and legally fighting global warming through grassroots organizing, we were "suspected of involvement in terrorism." MORE >
Voters for Climate Action As President-elect Obama said in his victory speech, it's time to "join in the work of remaking this nation," and we couldn't agree more. Here is our chance -- right now -- to work with our new leaders to make sure our vision of a clean energy future becomes reality. MORE >
Keep Winter Cold! CCAN's 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Come support CCAN's work at our 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 10, 2009. This year, we're expecting 100s of people to run, jump and dash into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis. It's always a blast and the event raises crucial funds to keep us fighting for clean energy. Go to www.keepwintercold.org to join the plunge or to donate to your favorite plunger. MORE >
Energy and Environment Forums Candidates Gerry Connolly and Keith Fimian will discuss Virginia's energy future at the next candidate forum, scheduled for October 16th at 7:30. Register now and hear what these two have to say about renewable energy, energy efficiency, the future of coal and more. MORE >
Climate Action Now rally Thank you for making this event such a huge success! We had nearly 300 people come out to call for climate action on the coldest day of the season so far! Thanks so much to all of our wonderful speakers - each person did an amazing job and I know everyone left that rally pumped up. We dropped welcome cards to every member of congress - even the freshmen. Click through for pictures! MORE >
CCAN Blog: What's New Best Week Ever! Waxman wins and Boxer starts swinging
So, it all started last Thursday with the EPA’s appeals board “Bonanza” decision, which made CO2 a pollutant to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. 30 coal plants died right then (and we were all clapping!). Virginia’s Climate Commission met and decided to up the governor’s efficiency targets and nearly decided to [...] MORE >
I Spy Something Green
Police spy on climate activist while global warming goes unarrested By Mike Tidwell, published on Grist Mike Tidwell. Photo: chesapeakeclimate Terrorist Activist Mike Tidwell (at podium) exhibiting clearly threatening behavior. Photo: chesapeakeclimate I’m not sure what’s more shocking: the news that the Maryland State Police wrongfully spied on me for months as a “suspected terrorist,” or that, despite surveillance of [...] MORE >
Chevron’s New Ad Campaign: “I will spend less than $6,415,332 to influence policians next year”
If you ride the metro or have seen a bus in DC lately, you can’t escape Chevron’s “Will You Join Us” ad campaign. It’s precisely those of us who make smart transportation choices who have been bombarded by these greenwashing treats from Chevron, as if somehow we’re going think, man, if only I can [...] MORE >
Note he doesn’t mention Tim Kaine. Could that be because he ruined his national reputation on coal? More perspectives: *Adam Siegel: http://getenergysmartnow.com/2008/11/18/obama-speaks-out-against-global-warming/ * Joe Romm: http://climateprogress.org/2008/11/18/obama-the-science-is-beyond-dispute-delay-is-no-longer-an-option-denial-is-no-longer-an-acceptable-response/ Important within is Bill McKibben’s comment: “A hopeful [...] MORE >
Yes, Virginia, there is a clean energy constituency
Will Democrats take the votes but ignore the voters in increasingly powerful Northern Virginia? by Mike Tidwell cross posted from Grist Northern Virginia voters solidified their reputation Nov. 4 as a virtual factory for Democratic victories. Collectively, the Virginia suburbs of D.C. broke for Obama in numbers exceeding 60 percent. The margin is comparable [...] MORE >
We have recently been notified that the Maryland State Police kept intelligence files on four members of the CCAN staff, including Mike, Anne and Josh. Outrageously, while peacefully and legally fighting global warming through grassroots organizing, we were "suspected of involvement in terrorism." 
Come support CCAN's work at our 4th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 10, 2009. This year, we're expecting 100s of people to run, jump and dash into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis. It's always a blast and the event raises crucial funds to keep us fighting for clean energy. Go to 
Candidates Gerry Connolly and Keith Fimian will discuss Virginia's energy future at the next candidate forum, scheduled for October 16th at 7:30. Register now and hear what these two have to say about renewable energy, energy efficiency, the future of coal and more. 
Thank you for making this event such a huge success! We had nearly 300 people come out to call for climate action on the coldest day of the season so far! Thanks so much to all of our wonderful speakers - each person did an amazing job and I know everyone left that rally pumped up. We dropped welcome cards to every member of congress - even the freshmen. Click through for pictures!