Oct 20, 2023·edited Oct 20, 2023Liked by Katharine Hayhoe
I would like to try and make a connection between local grassroots movements and what might be possible at the national level.
I became aware of the new consensus study report from the National Academies, "Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States" from your latest Note on Substack.
One of the problems in this country is that we need a decadal approach to solving climate change. As Sarah Isgur put it so eloquently in an article she wrote for Politico,
Here's a bold idea. What if we all wrote our Senators and Representatives, calling on them to support adoption of the plan, in particular, the recommendations that call for Congressional action? A good place to start would be to organize an effort by climate scientists and scientific organizations calling on Congress to act. I have already contacted my Senator and Representative.
Your comment on NIMBYism in Massachusetts directly aligns with my discussion last week on the same phenomenon facing wind projects in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. I especially appreciate the quote from Rev. White-Hammond, which perfectly describes the "energy privilege" that is driving anti-wind project sentiments in Canada, despite the overarching general support for the transition to clean energy. Thank you for sharing, I love reading about what's going on south of the border!
Was at City Hall in Mpls today to witness the city council pass funding for a transformative climate plan grounded in equity. Grassroots organizing over the last two years to get to this day! It can work!
AAAH! I'm so excited to see you're coming to my city soon, and speaking with Jeff Goodell. I've been reading his book, and really appreciating it. I just recently discovered your work and am really grateful for the education you offer and your expertise. Excited to continue learning...
I like how you shine a light on what other states are doing, not just California. I've got some experience working with New York State's Climate Smart Communities program, which is all about towns and counties tackling climate change and even scoring grants for their success (check it out here: https://climatesmart.ny.gov/). I was right there in Columbia County, and we nailed that bronze level! Considering it's upstate New York, I think it's worth giving it some extra attention. You've inspired me to maybe write about it in my next post :)
I would like to try and make a connection between local grassroots movements and what might be possible at the national level.
I became aware of the new consensus study report from the National Academies, "Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States" from your latest Note on Substack.
Ref. https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2023/10/new-report-provides-comprehensive-plan-to-meet-u-s-net-zero-goals-and-ensure-fair-and-equitable-energy-transition .
One of the problems in this country is that we need a decadal approach to solving climate change. As Sarah Isgur put it so eloquently in an article she wrote for Politico,
"Climate change can’t be fixed in four-year increments. To effectively stem carbon emissions, the country needs a long-term plan that can be followed for 25, 50, even 100 years — something that can only be put in place by the U.S. Congress." https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/05/19/supreme-court-activists-lose-congress-00033478
I believe that the plan from the National Academies could provide the framework for such a plan. Some of the guidance laid out in Part 1 of the report, https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2021/02/new-report-charts-path-to-net-zero-carbon-emissions-by-2050-recommends-near-term-policies-to-ensure-fair-and-equitable-economic-transition-and-revitalization-of-manufacturing-industry , influenced the legislation included in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Here's a bold idea. What if we all wrote our Senators and Representatives, calling on them to support adoption of the plan, in particular, the recommendations that call for Congressional action? A good place to start would be to organize an effort by climate scientists and scientific organizations calling on Congress to act. I have already contacted my Senator and Representative.
I think that is an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing!
Your comment on NIMBYism in Massachusetts directly aligns with my discussion last week on the same phenomenon facing wind projects in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. I especially appreciate the quote from Rev. White-Hammond, which perfectly describes the "energy privilege" that is driving anti-wind project sentiments in Canada, despite the overarching general support for the transition to clean energy. Thank you for sharing, I love reading about what's going on south of the border!
Thank you! I often try to include north of the border information as well. I had a whole edition on maple syrup a while back :)
Was at City Hall in Mpls today to witness the city council pass funding for a transformative climate plan grounded in equity. Grassroots organizing over the last two years to get to this day! It can work!
I love it! Thanks for sharing!
AAAH! I'm so excited to see you're coming to my city soon, and speaking with Jeff Goodell. I've been reading his book, and really appreciating it. I just recently discovered your work and am really grateful for the education you offer and your expertise. Excited to continue learning...
I fear that all of these innovations will come screeching to a halt in 2024, if Trump and the GOP win the election. https://open.substack.com/pub/aaronrupar/p/republican-primary-climate-poliy-disaster-trump?r=jn83&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
I like how you shine a light on what other states are doing, not just California. I've got some experience working with New York State's Climate Smart Communities program, which is all about towns and counties tackling climate change and even scoring grants for their success (check it out here: https://climatesmart.ny.gov/). I was right there in Columbia County, and we nailed that bronze level! Considering it's upstate New York, I think it's worth giving it some extra attention. You've inspired me to maybe write about it in my next post :)