Walking on Two Legs

At the end of my third day in Cochabamba and after the first day of the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, it has become very clear that “walking on two legs” is very much what is taking place and will be taking place.

This is the case as people have been walking from venue to venue in the part of Cochabamba where this historic conference of many thousands is taking place. I must have walked at least 3-4 miles today, but it was a joy to be doing so, exploring this town and seeing all my companeros and companeras doing the same thing, all of us, seemingly, in high spirits, glad to be here standing up for Mother Earth and all its life forms.

I was reminded today of the experience I had at the U.S. Social Forum in Atlanta, Georgia in 2007: many thousands of people, a hot climate, a large majority of people of color (in this case, primarily Latino and Indigenous peoples of Bolivia and other South American countries), a palpable feeling of solidarity and interconnection, and realistic hope that this gathering will advance the climate justice movement.

But there’s another way that people who are here will have to be “walking on two feet.” Continue reading

Tidwell interviews WaPo reporter on MD/VA energy issues

Last week on Mike’s cable access show “21st Century Life” — part of The Coffee House TV show and viewed across the region — he interviewed Washington Post reporter Steve Mufson about green jobs developments in Maryland and Virginia, including offshore wind developments, offshore drilling, and the closing of the BP solar panel plant in Frederick, Md.

Don’t miss this interesting 12-minute clip.

Tell Us Why You (heart) Clean Air!

Do you love clean air as much as we do? Then join CCAN in taking part in the “i (heart) clean air” campaign on the Clean Air Act Facebook fan page. From March 29 through Earth Day, people are posting their photos and sharing their stories about why they ? clean air. These photos and stories will be sent to Congress to demonstrate that Americans everywhere are saying no to airborne pollutants that are bad for our health, environment, and climate. The most memorable photos and stories will be featured on the Clean Air Act Facebook page and shared with their 3,500+ fans.

So join in and let our leaders know that when you breathe in, only clean air will do!

Reason #12: China is winning the global clean energy race

Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever, but there is also an unprecedented opportunity to build a new future.

We need an “Earth Day Revolution” to bring about historic advances in climate policy, renewable energy, green jobs, and to catalyze millions who can make personal commitments to sustainability by mobilizing the power of people to create change. We need the Senate to stop stalling and start acting on clean energy and climate solutions for America.

That’s why we’ve joined others in presenting Congress with 40 reasons to take action. Every day until Earth Day activists will deliver another reason to offices of Congressional leaders.

CCAN’s very own Chelsea Harnish joined others to deliver reason #12 to Senator Webb and Warner’s Richmond offices. Her message? China is winning the global clean energy race. Her method of communicating her message? An actual race.

Climate Activists in Richmond Take Action

We had a great workshop in Richmond on Saturday! JR Tolbert with Environment VA kicked off the event with an update on federal climate legislation.

Next up, activists from the region learned how to lobby a legislator with our environmental hero, Senator McEachin, accompanied by lobby expert, Matt Zogby with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

Followed by an interactive workshop with yours truly where everyone signed postcards, made calls to Senator Webb’s office and wrote handwritten letters urging him to vote in support of clean energy legislation and against the Dirty Air Act.

After that, the attendees learned the step-by-step process to writing a letter to their editor with Sierra Club staffer, Antigone Ambrose.

Each activist walked away from the workshop learning ways to get involved and taking lots of action. It was a fun workshop to be a part of!

NoVa Climate Activists Unite!

This past Saturday, over 75 climate change activists in Northern Virginia came together for the Northern Virginia Climate Action Network’s Tools for Change III: Energy Efficiency, Bringing the Message Home and Skills Training. Attendees came from across NoVa, from Loudoun to Bristow, with the common goal of learning more and getting involved in the fight for federal climate change legislation.

Speakers presented on a range of topics focused on some of the federal legislation in the Senate right now, as well as more local successes and projects in the works. Elenor Hodges, Executive Director of Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, talked about the Green Living Challenge.

State legislators represent Commonwealth and leave the science to scientists!

The jury presented its verdict on climate change a long time ago. The science says our climate is changing and the results for Virginia and the planet will be catastrophic. The Supreme Court, the EPA, Virginia’s own Commission on Climate Change and even former President George Bush recognized the consequences of climate change.

Mad Scientist (J.J., Wikipedia)Yet, amidst typos and lawsuits, today’s press conference a the state capitol in Richmond was a breath of fresh air. It is refreshing to see 19 members of General Assembly standing up for their constituents and allowing the science to speak for itself. The Science that tells us that Virginia is vulnerable to sea level rise, that the Hampton Roads area is ranked #2 in terms of vulnerability. Number one is New Orleans. These threats are real and Virginia is ready to address them head on.

http://www.freefoto.com/images/04/28/04_28_50---US-Dollar-Bills_web.jpgI applaud Senators McEachin and Northam as well as Delegate McLellan for initiating today’s press conference and the other 16 state legislators that joined them to show their support for the science. Addressing climate change and diversifying our economy here in the Commonwealth is no easy task. It’s going to take forward thinking and leadership from Richmond to embrace our potential. It’s also going to take reasonable investments.

The big thing highlighted in today’s conference is the pure fiscal irresponsibility of our Attorney General’s lawsuit. He wants to slap tax payers with $250,000-$500,000 bill to pursue a frivolous lawsuit against the Federal Government, it’s lawyers and its environmental agency on an issue already decided by the Supreme Court. Given the state of Virginia’s economy this is just not acceptable and I am proud that so many legislators had the courage to stand up for their constituents health, the climate and the well-being of the Commonwealth.