War and the Climate Crisis; 2024 Election Resources; Protect Our Public Watershed Forests

In light of the urgent need to defeat Donald Trump and his enablers, Climate Action Now is cancelling our September Monthly Gathering and encouraging each of us to take as much meaningful election action as possible between now and November 5th. Scroll down for links to multiple opportunities to engage.

The Sojourner Truth School presents:

War and the Climate Crisis

Thursday, September 26

5-6:30 pm

How does war fuel the climate crisis and how does the intensifying climate crisis risk increasing global conflict?

How are people in conflict zones rendered more vulnerable to climate and environmental disasters?

After the presentation we will explore how we, individually and collectively, can respond to the challenging times we are living in with integrity, courage and care for each other and all of life.

Climate Action Now is organizing a group focused on war and the climate crisis. We encourage you to attend this workshop, especially if you are interested in engaging in this work.

Presenters

Ramón Mejía is an Anti-Militarism National Organizer for Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. He is an outspoken advocate and organizer against U.S. wars and the growing militarization of our communities and a powerful and deeply moving speaker.

Dr. Shaina Sadai, climate scientist and critical physical geographer, focuses her research on projecting future global changes in climate and sea level; attributing climate impacts to corporate high emitters; and understanding climate justice through critical geographies of sea level rise and multispecies climate justice frameworks.

Susan Theberge, Co-founder of Climate Action Now and founding member of Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, focuses on bringing people together to build a powerful mass movement centering climate and environmental justice.

More info here

Photo: Rene Theberge

Climate Action Now held a Summer Gathering in August focused on meaningful election action. Our guest speakers offered insights and analysis and shared their priorities for action. The following resources were compiled by our speakers with additional actions identified by Climate Action Now activists. Click on the links below to take action!

Climate Action Now Resources for the 2024 Election

Click here for a short list of additional high powered actions from regional and national organizers.

Photo: Rene Theberge

Protect Our Public Watershed Forests as Wildlands Now!

Monday, September 23 at 4pm in the Zoom Room

Speakers

Bill Stubblefield, Ph.D.

Lynne Man, Ph.D.

Presented by Elders Climate Action-Mass Chapter Natural Solutions Working Group in cooperation with the Sierra Club.

FB event page

Photo credit: Carla Brennen: http://carlaphotos.com

MA State Legislature fails to pass a climate bill!

Demand that they finish the job before this year is over!

We are in a climate emergency and we need a just and robust climate bill this Fall!

We call on Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano and the entire legislature to work this fall to meet critical environmental justice goals. We need to equitably and rapidly transition the gas industry to clean energy while protecting ratepayers.

We cannot accept a narrow siting and permitting bill that does nothing for climate justice or reducing climate pollution as the outcome of 18 months of the legislative process. Stand up for the future and the people of Massachusetts, not the interests of corporations.

Please sign the Mass Power Forward petition and share widely

Neighbor to Neighbor is hosting a forum with Community Legal Aid, Mass Fair Housing Center and the Attorney General’s Office to make sure folks know their rights and to bring participants into N2N’s housing work.

Tenant Forum Registration Link

VALLEY GREEN ENERGY:

Northampton, Amherst and Pelham’s Community Choice Aggregation Program

The City of Northampton is collaborating with the Towns of Amherst and Pelham to develop a consumer-friendly regional electricity program called Valley Green Energy, uniting residents and businesses across the three towns to amplify our collective purchasing power. Valley Green Energy offers enhanced control over the cost and environmental impact of your electricity use. Join the Zoom meeting on September 26 to learn more!

Details: https://www.northamptonma.gov/2617/Valley-Green-Energy

Photo: Rene Theberge

Show up for the River!

Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 pm

Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A Great Falls (Turners Falls) MA

The public will have an opportunity to state their objections to the relicensing of Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage by participating in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s “Public Information Session” on October 10.

We need a mass of people to show up to let them know that we hold them accountable to make a factual and honest determination about whether FirstLight is in violation of the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws, as it is. They will decide whether to grant a water quality certificate (WQC) to First Light.

Go here for detailed info: https://ctriverdefenders.org/upcoming-events/

Photo: Rene Theberge

Climate Action Now is a people-powered, grassroots Western Mass organization dedicated to building a powerful, unstoppable and just climate movement. We work in our communities and in collaboration with diverse partners across the region to educate, advocate, and mobilize for climate justice.

The Climate Action Now Steering Committee includes a representative from each working group and campaign. Climate Action Now warmly welcomes newcomers. Let’s work together to create an inclusive climate justice movement!

Please send feedback, comments, and suggestions to:

Susan Theberge, Newsletter Editor

Photo Editor: Rene Theberge

climateactionnowma.org

climateactionnowmass@gmail.com

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