Together, we can Protect Our Planet
š Climate change poses an urgent and immediate danger to our environment, our planet, and the very future of life on Earth. Together, we can protect our planet.
š Every action counts in the fight against climate change. Today in Protect Our Planet, weāre featuring December 9, 2024 news and critical calls-to-action.
Together, we can Protect Our Planet
Climate change poses an urgent and immediate danger to our environment, our planet, and the very future of life on Earth. We must stand strong in the face of these threats and take action to educate and empower our communities. Together, we can protect our environment, preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for all. Join us in defending our planet and fighting climate change-take action today!
Together, we can Protect Our Planet
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Protect Our Planet - News Briefs - December 9, 2024
Climate crisis deepens with 2024 ācertainā to be hottest year on record
The Guardian By Damian Carrington
This year is now almost certain to be the hottest year on record, data shows. It will also be the first to have an average temperature of more than 1.5C above preindustrial levels, marking a further escalation of the climate crisis. Data for November from the EUās Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found the average global surface temperature for the month was 1.62C above the level before the mass burning of fossil fuels drove up global heating.
Trumpās Energy Secretary Pick Preaches the Benefits of Climate Change
Wall Street Journal By Benoit Morenne, BenoƮt Morenne
Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trumpās nominee for energy secretary, says that climate change poses only a modest threat to humanity. The biggest U.S. oil companies disagree. A fracking executive, Wright acknowledges that burning fossil fuels is contributing to rising temperatures. But he also says climate change makes the planet greener by increasing plant growth, boosts agricultural productivity and likely reduces the number of temperature-related deaths annually.
How A Princeton Professor's Home Renovation Project Is Fighting Climate Change
NY Times By Hilary Howard
Two years ago, on a tree-lined street in Princeton, N.J., a truck-mounted drill arrived at a modest two-story home. Its goal? To dig a 500-foot hole in the front yard. Although the contraption resembled an oil rig, it would be prospecting for a cleaner energy source: water. Forrest Meggers, an engineering and architecture professor at Princeton University, was installing a geothermal heating and cooling system for his house, which he was also gut-renovating to be a showcase for green living.
How many species could go extinct from climate change? It depends on how hot it gets.
NPR By Jonathan Lambert
Two Kea birds, Arthurs Pass South Island New Zealand. The species is listed as threatened in that country and climate change is among the reasons their numbers are in danger.
Scientists thought global warming would slow this year. It didn't.
Washington Post
As 2023 came to a close, scientists had hoped that a stretch of record heat that emerged across the planet might finally begin to subside this year. It seemed likely that temporary conditions, including an El NiƱo climate pattern that has always been known to boost average global temperatures, would give way to let Earth cool down. That didn't happen. Instead, global temperatures remain at near-record levels.
Democrats think in election cycles ā Republicans think in decades
The Hill By John White
Leaders We Deserve focuses on recruiting young candidates who will fight for a progressive future and tackle issues like gun violence, climate change, affordability and rising costs, and attacks on rights and freedoms. ā¦ Instead, they have witnessed a cascade of failures: growing economic and racial inequality, a worldwide pandemic, a climate crisis threatening the planetās existence, a gun violence epidemic, and failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Protect Our Planet - Video News Briefs - December 9, 2024
Climate change drives Amazon droughtć¼NHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
How climate change is impacting this iconic Florida bird species | ABC News
World Court begins hearing on climate crisis obligations | REUTERS
Environmental harms from Project 2025:
Ends programs addressing climate change.
Eliminates much of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Cancels regulations to reduce environmental harm.
Increases oil drilling, coal mining, and natural gas extraction.
Deregulates big businesses and oil companies.
Stops expanding the electrical grid for wind and solar energy.
Cuts renewable energy funding.
Removes the U.S. from international climate agreements.
Stops climate change research.
Repeals tax subsidies for clean energy, including credits and tax breaks for green energy companies.
People Power Unitedās Statement on Protect Our Planet
In response to recent MAGA shenanigans to enact Project 2025 and harm our environment, People Power United - a progressive grassroots group - issued the following statement:
āOur planet is under attack as the MAGA agenda seeks to reward the rich and powerful at the expense of our environment. Climate change poses an urgent and immediate danger to our environment, our planet, and the very future of life on Earth. We must stand strong in the face of these threats and take action to educate and empower our communities. Together, we can protect our environment, preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for all. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities againstĀ any and allĀ injustices,ā said Laurie Woodward GarcĆa of People Power United.
People Power United will continue to oppose such harm to our community and champion civil rights for all.
The Urgency of Climate Change: Why We Must Act Now
Climate change is not a distant or abstract issueāit is a present and accelerating crisis that threatens the stability of ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide. The scientific consensus is clear: human activities, particularly our reliance on fossil fuels, are driving an unprecedented increase in global temperatures. This rise in temperature is already causing devastating consequences, from extreme weather events to habitat loss and species extinction. Despite the overwhelming evidence, many still underestimate the severity of climate change or feel helpless to make a difference. This piece emphasizes the urgent need to take climate change seriously for the survival of our planet and offers practical steps we can take to create a positive impact.
Why We Should Take Climate Change Seriously
The evidence of climate change is all around us, growing more apparent with each passing year. Wildfires ravage forests, hurricanes intensify in frequency and strength, and heatwaves become more relentless. Climate change is no longer a distant threatāit is a reality affecting millions of people globally. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have already risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. If we continue with business as usual, we risk surpassing the critical 1.5-degree threshold within the next decade. Exceeding this limit could result in catastrophic consequences, including widespread crop failures, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and irreversible damage to natural ecosystems.
Climate change poses a direct and multifaceted threat to human health. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns foster the spread of infectious diseases, exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and contribute to mental health challenges driven by trauma and anxiety linked to extreme weather events. These impacts are not evenly distributed; climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities, often those who have contributed the least to global emissions. Low-income populations, Indigenous communities, and countries in the Global South face the harshest consequences, from food and water shortages to forced migration due to uninhabitable conditions.
Furthermore, the economic cost of inaction is staggering. Extreme weather events already cause billions of dollars in damage annually, straining infrastructure, agriculture, and public health systems. If we fail to address climate change, these costs will escalate dramatically, leading to widespread economic instability. Conversely, climate action presents an opportunity to stimulate economic growth by creating millions of jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure.
What We Can Do: Practical Actions to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint
While the challenge of climate change may seem insurmountable, each of us has the power to contribute to solutions. By making small changes in our daily lives and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Here are practical actions individuals can take:
Actions You Can Take at Home
Cut Energy Use: Save energy by using energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED bulbs, and installing smart thermostats. Simple steps like turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use can significantly reduce energy waste.
Choose Renewable Energy: Opt for green energy from your utility provider, such as wind or solar power. Homeowners can also consider installing solar panels to generate clean energy.
Conserve Water: Reducing water use lowers the energy needed for water processing and heating. Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and invest in water-saving appliances to conserve resources.
Shift to Plant-Based Meals: The meat and dairy industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By eating plant-based meals, even just a few days a week, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Compost and Recycle: Organic waste in landfills emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Compost food scraps and recycle materials like paper, glass, and plastic to minimize waste and emissions.
Drive Less: Reduce emissions by biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transit. For longer trips, consider fuel-efficient or electric vehicles to lower your environmental impact.
Actions You Can Take at Work
Promote Remote Work: Remote work and virtual meetings can significantly cut emissions from commuting and reduce office energy consumption.
Upgrade to Energy Efficiency: Advocate for energy-efficient systems like LED lighting, improved insulation, and motion-sensor lighting in the workplace to save energy and reduce costs.
Go Digital: Transition to digital documents to reduce paper waste. If printing is necessary, use recycled paper and set printers to double-sided printing by default.
Support Sustainable Commuting: Encourage employees to carpool, bike, or take public transit by offering incentives, stipends, or tax benefits.
Source Eco-Friendly Supplies: Use sustainable office products, including recycled paper, non-toxic cleaners, and biodegradable materials. Supporting green businesses reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
Advocate for Green Policies: Push for workplace sustainability initiatives like waste audits, eco-friendly vendors, and measurable carbon reduction goals.
The Power of Collective Action
Individual efforts matter, but solving the climate crisis requires bold systemic change. To drive this change, we must advocate for climate-conscious policies that support renewable energy, protect ecosystems, and regulate industrial emissions. Here are ways to amplify your impact:
Vote for Climate Leaders: Elect officials committed to addressing climate change and implementing sustainable policies.
Engage in Climate Activism: Join local climate initiatives, sign petitions, or participate in protests to demand action from leaders and organizations.
Educate and Inspire Others: Spread awareness about climate issues and encourage others to take action, both individually and collectively.
Why Action Matters
The climate crisis threatens the future of our planet, but together, we can fight back. By combining personal changes with collective advocacy, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a sustainable world where future generations can thrive. The choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow. Letās ensure that world is one we can be proud of.
Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry! Check out ourĀ 2023 recap postĀ to see how impactful our scrappy People Power United group is!ā
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.