FOSSIL FREE FAST - THE CLIMATE RESISTANCE: Live-streamed January 31 at 8PM

 On January 31st, the day after Trump’s first State of the Union, Climate movement leaders and Community organizers will gather in Washington D.C. to share our plan to win at ‘Fossil Free Fast: The Climate Resistance.’

The event will feature: Senator Bernie Sanders, 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben, Rev. Lennox Yearwood from Hip Hop Caucus, Jacqueline Patterson from the NAACP, and many other exciting speakers and performances.

This event has ended, but you may watch a video recording of the event at C-Span - Click Here

This inspiring event will be live-streamed at 8:00 PM ET -- and thousands across the country will watch with their friends and family. Will you join them?


Watch a short Video: Click Here


Sign up for a watch party near you -- or if there isn’t one happening yet, sign up to host one!  

Go to: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/fossil-free-fast/


Watch TONIGHT, Wednesday 1/31 at 8 PM:
Livestream Link

For more information, see the following article at Common Dreams:

Fossil Free Fast: A Climate Resistance Game Plan for 2018 
With the transition to 100% renewable energy, we have perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to rebuild our economy in a more just and equitable way.

The Climate Resistance Strategy for 2018:
- stop all new fossil fuel projects
- a fast and just transition to 100% renewable energy for all
- continuing and expanding the fossil fuel divestment movement

Read more at Common Dreams  

 

Buffalo Youth Traveled to D.C. to Participate in Empowering Workshops and March for Climate Justice

Recap: MAP Youth Attend D.C. Climate March

Author: Mariama McCoy, MAP Youth  |  Re-posted from GrowWNY.org

June 12, 2017

Climate JUSTICE and YOUTH

Youth from Buffalo's Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) had the chance to go to D.C. for the People’s Climate March to represent agriculture and youth for they affect and are also affected by climate change.  Although the trip began with an overnight bus ride with very uncomfortable seating and walking very far with suitcases, the youth were lucky to have found free accommodations at a local church.  There they played Uno and Jenga while waiting to for the Youth Contingent to start.  They attended the People’s Climate March Youth Contingent workshops to talk about topics that connect some youth to climate change issues at Standing Rock, including a chief’s son.

At the Youth Contingent, they participated in a skit that showed the power of action, starting with disempowerment and then putting in place changes that could empower youth. They learned that to fix our country’s economy we have to address underlying issues such as racism.  They learned chants and songs for the day of the march, and obtained some free posters to march with.  They heard speeches from several different organizations and leading people in climate social justice movement.  After the workshops there was a dance party where the youth met teens from other organizations such as the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) fellowship in New York City, as well as the Young People’s Action Coalition.


The next day, the youth took public transportation and caught a ride on golf carts to meet the Sierra Club Niagara Group bus from Buffalo.  Before the march even started, they saw a girl faint from heatstroke.  During the march, people were selling water for $5 a bottle, but luckily the youth had already gotten water for only $1 a bottle.  The march was a far walk in the heat, but the youth had the chance to yell chants into a bullhorn, things such as “water is life” alongside Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Youth Director of Earth Guardians.

Finally, they marched past Trump’s hotel and saw some awesome art work, including a life-size piece “Putin’s Puppet”.  Together with thousands of people, they sat down in the street and all patted their hearts to make a heartbeat for 100 seconds for the first 100 days of Trump being in office.  Their trip ended with a trolley ride to get lunch before boarding the Sierra Club buses and return to Buffalo.

Buffalo Activists Traveled to Washington D.C. to March for Climate, Jobs and Justice

By David Kowalski

100 People Traveled from Buffalo to D.C. in Buses Chartered by the Sierra Club 

Photos below show a few of the groups of people after departing the bus at the RFK Stadium in D.C.. [Click images to enlarge] 

 Buffalo Youth for Climate Justice

 Students from the University at Buffalo

Burmese Family from Buffalo

Buffalo Women for the Planet and a System Change

~   ~   ~

We traveled via the Metro Rail to the Capitol area where groups were assembling in preparation for the march.

Below is the front line of the Sierra Club group. 

Chapters from States around the U.S. were represented.

Leading the Sierra contingent is Aaron Mair, 

National President of the Sierra Club 

Earlier that morning, Aaron Mair was interviewed near the Capitol about the march. He said: 

“We're rising up to save our planet, but more importantly to offer solutions. This is not just a rise up for the sake of rising up. But it's a rise up to save our democracy. Because at the end of day, there's no planet B and there's no second leader. Our country was the world leader when it came to climate change, and the world leader with climate solutions.”

A video of that interview can be viewed here.

David and his son, Jason Kowalski, U.S. Policy Director 

at 350.org in D.C., met up at the march

Just days before the historic Peoples Climate mobilization, Senators Jeff Merkley and Bernie Sanders introduced the ‘100 by ‘50 Act’, a piece of legislation that calls for 100% clean energy by 2050. While recognizing the legislation likely won’t move under the Trump administration, the Senators and their supporters view this as a ‘roadmap for America.’
 
Days after the march, Jason Kowalski commented at 350.org: “If this type of visionary legislation can be introduced at the federal level under the Trump administration, there’s no excuse left for officials at the city and state level. At the Peoples Climate March, we put forward this vision nationally. Now we’ll hold every elected official accountable — no one is off the hook.”

By working at the local and regional level, communities will organize for powerful and lasting change, forcing elected officials to choose a side: that of Trump and his fossil fuel billionaire cabinet, or that of the people fighting for a stable climate and an economy that works for everyone.

Over 200,000 Participated in the People's Climate March in Washington D.C.

 Images of the Massive Climate March in Washington D.C. on April 29, 2017

Tens of Thousands Marched in 370 Cities across the U.S.

By David Kowalski

Over 200,000 people marched in Washington calling on the president to curb global warming that's contributing to polar ice melting, sea-level rise, and extreme weather, including extended droughts and unprecedented floods.

In line with established climate science and the Paris Climate Accords, an informed public as well as smart business leaders around the world seek a managed and justice-based power shift from dirty fossil fuels, which are polluting and heating the planet, to clean renewable energy sources, like wind, water and the sun.

An emerging clean energy economy that maximizes energy efficiency and minimizes waste and pollution will create well-paying jobs in every state for displaced fossil fuel workers and for people of all skill levels and educational backgrounds.

Two photos below show portions of the Climate March in the 

streets of Washington near the Capitol and the White House.

[Click image to enlarge]

[Click image to enlarge]

Below are photos of a closer views of 
isolated parts of the crowd in the street.  

 [Click any image to enlarge]

The photo below was taken at the Chicago Climate March.

To see photos taken at Climate Marches in other cities across the U.S., 
visit HuffingtonPost

The photos shown here are from albums posted at
Peoples Climate Movement

 

Join the People's March for Climate, Jobs & Justice - Hop on the Buffalo Bus to DC!

GET ON THE BUS!

PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH WASHINGTON, DC - 4/29

WE MADE HISTORY IN NYC - 400,000 STRONG - LET’S DO IT AGAIN! 

EVEN BIGGER THIS TIME – WITH VOICES TOO STRONG TO IGNORE!

 

Join the March for Climate, Jobs & Justice 
in WASHINGTON DC

 

RIDE THE BUS FROM BUFFALO!

On the 100th Day of the Trump Administration, we will be in the streets of Washington DC to show the World and our leaders that we will RESIST attacks on our People, our Communities and our Planet.

For more information, visit NiagaraSierraClub.com

and PeoplesClimate.org

Drinking Water Contamination: "Hero of Flint" Lead Crisis to Deliver Distinguished Lecture at UB

Abstract: The 2001-2004 Washington D.C. lead in drinking water crisis (and its aftermath to the present day) is a unique case study in the history of engineering and scientific misconduct. The multi-year exposure of an unsuspecting population to very high levels of the best-known neurotoxin, was perpetrated by multiple government agencies whose sole mission was to protect the public health. These same agencies later published falsified research reports, covering up evidence of harm and justifying ill-conceived interventions wasting hundreds of millions of dollars and which created even more harm. 

Aspiring to uphold the duty of scientists and engineers to hold paramount the public good and welfare, Marc Edwards worked alongside collaborators in the public, press and in Congress for over a decade. Their efforts exposed some of the wrong-doing by the agencies and their “hired gun” consultants, who brazenly twisted science to obfuscate the truth of what occurred. 

These experiences raise concerns about the veracity of “research” conducted and funded by government agencies, especially in crisis situations when public harm has occurred, as well as the need for checks and balances on agency power.

To register for this free event, click here

About the RENEW Distinguished Lectures: The RENEW Distinguished Lecture Series seeks to promote dialogue and interaction with UB’s faculty & staff, students and the local community with renowned leaders in science, technology and policy in academia, industry and government.

About UB RENEW Institute: RENEW promotes interdisciplinary research activities to position UB as a global leader in select areas of energy, environment and water (www.buffalo.edu/renew). Through collaborative education and research, more than 100 faculty members from seven schools are focusing on the following areas: Next-Generation Materials for Energy, Environment & Water; Sustainable Urban Environments; Freshwater Coastal Ecosystems, Stormwater and Blue Economy; Environmental Exposures, Genomes and Health; and Climate Change & Socio-Economic Impacts.

Climate Rally in DC - Reserve Bus Seat - See UPDATE

What: Forward on Climate Rally.
When: February 17, 2013 -- 12 Noon.
Where: Washington Monument on the National Mall, Washington DC.
Who: 350.org, The Sierra Club, Hip Hop Caucus and tens of thousands of Americans.

Click here to join the action.

Sierra Club Niagara Group chartered a Bus

Leave Buffalo Saturday, February 16 at 11:15 PM. Return late Sunday or early Monday.

Cost $70/per person, full fare
$25 "Scholarship" seats are available to students, unemployed and low-income folks

Seating and scholarships are on a first paid/first served basis, 
so send in your check today! 
Make check out to “Sierra Club Niagara Group” and send to Sierra Club, 601 W Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY 14222
If you can’t go but can  afford to help, PLEASE send a donation today !

UPDATE 2/9/2013: Sierra Club is sending a SECOND BUS
Seats will be reserved on a first paid basis.
Checks payable to "Sierra Club Niagara Group" can be mailed or dropped off at the address above.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit card by going to VPSpay.com
Enter this Merchant Phone number 716-849-0140 and the Amount paid ($70 full, $25 scholarship).
Enter "Sierra Club Bus" in the Invoice box. A small service charge will be added.
An email will be sent automatically to the law office of Diane Ciurczak confirming your payment and your name will be entered on the bus list.

Donations are also accepted and should be entered as "Scholarship Donation".

For more information: dianeciurczak@yahoo.com or call 716-849-0140

BUS Departure: 11:15 p.m. Saturday, February 16, from the Park & Ride Lot on the University of Buffalo South Campus (Main St. near Kenmore Ave.)

BUS Return: late Sunday or early Monday. 

Contact Bill Nowak at 716-316-7674 or bill.nowakcwa@gmail.com for more information.

Obama Inaugural Addresses Climate Change -- Bill McKibben Reacts

Text of President Obama's Inaugural address on Climate Change:

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snow-capped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.”

— President Barack Obama
_____________________________________________________________

Bill McKibben reacts to Obama Inaugural Address on Climate Change:
Bill McKibben, author, educator and climate activist, reacted to President Obama statements about climate change in an email message. McKibben's message is below (the emphasis is his):

"With words like that, it's easy to let ourselves dream that something major might be about to happen to fix the biggest problem the world has ever faced.

But we know that even if the President is sincere in every syllable, he's going to need lots of backup to help him get his point across in a city dominated by fossil fuel interests. And, given the record of the last four years, we know that too often rhetoric has yielded little in the way of results.

That's why we need you -- very badly -- to take a trip to our nation's capital on Feb. 17. We'll gather on the National Mall, in what is shaping up to be be the largest environmental rally in many years.

Click here to join us in DC: act.350.org/signup/presidentsday

Together we'll send the message loud and clear: 'If you're serious about protecting future generations from climate change, stop the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. If you can do that, Mr. President, we can all work together to help build a climate legacy that will be a credit to your critical eight years in office.'

Look -- numbers count. If 20,000 of us show up on February 17th, it will be noticed. We need you in that number. The President may have given us an opening, but it's up to us to go through it, and we need to do it together.

Thanks for all you've done to bring us this far, friends. Let's keep it up -- this is our chance."

Bill
_____________________________________________________________

 

Hop on the Bus to the Climate Rally & March in Washington DC! 

Sierra Club Niagara Group has chartered a Bus leaving Buffalo the evening of February 16 and returning directly after the rally. 

For information on bus tickets, Click Here.

Sign up to attend the Rally and get more information through the Sierra Club website.

_____________________________________________________________

Climate Rally & March in Washington DC -- Hop on the Bus!

JOIN THE LARGEST CLIMATE RALLY EVER!!

Sunday, February 17, 2013
in 
Washington D.C.

Rally on the National Mall and March to the White House

Sierra Club Niagara Group has chartered a Bus

leaving Buffalo the evening of February 16 and returning directly after the rally

Cost $70/per person.  Scholarships available.*

Email Linda or Sara at (rmc.law2511@yahoo.com) to reserve a space

Payment due by February 11, 2013 to hold your seat with checks payable to “Sierra Club Niagara Group” and mail to:

          More information:  sierraclubangela@gmail.com

For more information see http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=forwardonclimate or

http://niagarasierraclub.wordpress.com

*Fundraiser on Friday, February 8, 2013.  Music by Five to One at Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst Street (12 doors west of Grant)  5:30pm–8:30pm   $5 cover ($2 to scholarship) and 50/50 split.

EVENT Sponsored by Sierra Club National and 350.org FORWARD ON CLIMATE RALLY! What: The largest climate rally in history. Where: The National Mall in Washington, D.C., including a march to the White House When: February 17, 2013, Noon - 4:00 p.m. (please arrive by 11:30 a.m.) Crippling drought. Devastating wildfires. Superstorm Sandy. Climate has come home -- and the American people get it. Information:  http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=forwardonclimate

We're building  A GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO SOLVE THE CLIMATE CRISIS  

STUDENTS: Power Shift in Washington DC, April 15-18

Power Shift 2011 will be held in Washington DC’s Convention Center — the largest available space in the nation’s capital — on April 15-18.

The event is organized by the Energy Action Coalition, a coalition of 50 youth-led environmental and social justice groups working together to build the youth clean energy and climate movement. Here is what Power Shift is about:

Power Shift 2011 is our opportunity to come together and define the way forward for our movement. Together we'll celebrate our grassroots success stories, hear from movement leaders, and learn from and train each other to launch new campaigns. We'll take bold action to set the tone in Washington and show them what true leadership looks like. If it's anything like years past, Power Shift 2011 is bound to be historic.

Power Shift 2007 and 2009 were the largest convergences of young environmental and social justice activists in U.S. history. The 2009 event was the largest lobby day ever on Capitol Hill.

Learn More about Power Shift 2011 here.

To REGISTER, click here (Deadline March 13th)


Additional Web links:

• An extensive post about University at Buffalo student involvement in Power Shift 2009 is here.

• Power Shift 2011 FaceBook Page is here.

• UB students also held a local Power Shift event in 2010.

• To see earlier posts about Power Shift 2009, click here.

UB Students take Green Agenda to DC

A group of University at Buffalo students traveled to Washington, DC last weekend to learn more about clean energy and green jobs, and to lobby area members of Congress for their causes. Student members of the UB Environmental Network joined 12,000 other students from every State in the nation and from other countries attending the PowerShift 2009 conference held at the DC Convention Center.

Keynote speakers, including the new director of the EPA, talked about the environment, renewable energy, green jobs and political activism. Some members of Congressional committees on energy and environment also spoke. At the end of each night, there was music and entertainment. Names of some speakers and entertainers are here.

Below is a video that gives a brief overview of PowerShift 2009:

Buffalo native, Jason Kowalski, Policy Fellow with 1Sky in DC, led a training session of 1400 students at PowerShift on lobbying Congress about legislation on climate change, clean energy and green jobs. See video, below:

Video courtesy of Brighter Planet

A photo of some of the UB students taken during a lobbying session in the office of Congress member Louise Slaughter is shown below.

[click photo to enlarge]

UB students in the photo include Steven Fleck, Michael Mason, Libby Dahl, Kristina Blank, Jordan Gerow, Tyler Manley, Danielle Peters, Esther Dsouza, and Jason Mazurowski, who provided the photo. The students also lobbied at the office of Rep. Chris Lee. Buffalo is proud of these fine young citizens and members of the UB Environmental Network !

The PowerShift Rally at the Capitol West Lawn on Lobby Day is shown in the photo below.

[photo by Carolyn Barnwell]

More information on PowerShift Lobby Day is here, including the list of over 350 Congressional meetings coordinated by the Energy Action Coalition.

UPDATES on PowerShift 2009

• TIME Magazine article: Environmentalism, Millennial-Style
• Keynote address at Power Shift by Billy Parish [video]
• What the Press Didn't Tell You, by Jesse Jenkins
• Shifting Demographics of the Climate Movement, Ben Jervey
• Global Warming 101 for Congress?, by Rachel Barge
• Rolling Stone: Jessy Tolkan, Agent of Change