Dear friends,
It’s a beautiful day in Brooklyn AND the evidence of climate catastrophe — from around the world — is truly head-spinning. More than 1,200 people have died in flooding in Pakistan.
Nonetheless, governments across the globe increased their fossil fuel subsidies significantly in 2021. The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency explains:
“Fossil fuel subsidies are a roadblock to a more sustainable future, but the difficulty that governments face in removing them is underscored at times of high and volatile fuel prices. A surge in investment in clean energy technologies and infrastructure is the only lasting solution to today’s global energy crisis and the best way to reduce the exposure of consumers to high fuel costs.”
Send a comment to Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission: we should not pay more for electricity in order to fund fossil fuel projects. This quick action comes from Sane Energy Project.
We must reject economic policies that continue the insidious pattern of propping up an industry that is dying and also killing people.
Contact the Federal Reserve and let them know that banks are endangering the planet and their own stability when they invest in fossil fuel projects. This action comes from Chop Wood, Carry Water!
You probably thought that I was going to write about defending democracy today. And in a way, I am.
The distortions that have been wrought by some of the loudest, most divisive voices in our society are undermining democracy and our potential to address all of our other problems, including the climate crisis.
I will leave you for the weekend on a somewhat hopeful note: researchers have found that even though the vast majority of us (66–80%) support policies to address the changing climate,
So, look on your compatriots differently. We should be talking to everyone about climate policy and the proper role of government to address the situation. This is not a topic to dodge just because you aren’t sure of your neighbor’s politics.
Read and share this account by a youth climate activist in Pakistan. Then, contribute to the relief efforts.
Have a great weekend!
with love,
L