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. Together, we can protect our planet.
🌍 Every action counts in the fight against climate change. Today in Protect Our Planet, we’re featuring December 19, 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
Click here to Save USPS’s Green Fleet From Trump’s Climate Rollbacks Now!
Click here to tell Congress to strengthen, not cut, SNAP nutrition benefits in the Farm Bill
Click here to Oppose Trump’s Big Oil EPA Pick!
Click here to Tell the Fed to Fight Climate Change
Click here to Tell Trump's EPA Staff: Stop Lying About Your Record
Protect Our Planet - News Briefs
Biden sets goal of cutting greenhouse gases by more than 60%
Newsweek
Biden's new climate target implies a significant shift in the U.S. approach to climate change, focusing on long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States plays a critical role in international climate action.
How Trump could spare Biden's renewable energy credits and still cripple his landmark climate bill
NBC News By Ece Yildirim
As for Wright, although he has denied the existence of a climate crisis, he worked in the solar industry as well as oil and gas, according to Trump’s statement announcing his nomination. “He’s not necessarily against any technology, he’s just going to be for certain technologies,” Deora said. … “Climate change isn’t about how many solar panels we put up. Climate change is how much carbon dioxide and methane that we do not admit,” said Deora. “The concern isn’t about whether we keep business and keep solar developers happy. This is really about, are we going to produce more fossil fuels?”
Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex, alleging decades of pollution
Washington Post By Steve Thompson
Brown (D) said in a statement Wednesday as his office filed a complaint in U.S. district court on behalf of the state's departments of environment, health and natural resources.
Walmart says it is likely to miss 2025, 2030 climate change targets
Reuters
Walmart said it is likely to miss its 2025 and 2030 targets for reducing planet-warming emissions due to challenges related to energy policy, infrastructure and availability of cost-effective low-carbon technologies.
Environmental groups sue over California support for polluting biofuels
ABC News
Environmentalists say the LCFS program has stimulated the production of polluting biofuels, competing with food production and contributing to deforestation. They want California to focus more on expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. … The agency declined to comment on the lawsuits but said the program plays an important role in combating climate change and improving air quality.
Amazon, OSHA reach settlement over warehouse safety citations
Seattle Times By Lauren Rosenblatt
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration began a series of investigations at 10 Amazon facilities around the country in 2022, resulting in allegations that the company had created an unsafe working environment and exposed workers to a high risk of injury.
Protect Our Planet - Video News Briefs
Global warming can't be ignored, Montana's top court says, upholding landmark climate case | NBC
How climate change impacted 2024 | CBS News
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 United’s 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:
“Our 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 against any and all injustices,” said Laurie Woodward García 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 issue—it 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 threat—it 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. Let’s ensure that world is one we can be proud of.
BONUS
Register to vote, vote, and help elect leaders committed to protecting our planet
Call your member of Congress today (202) 224-3121 and tell them to protect our communities by ensuring they implement policies that PROTECT OUR PLANET
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Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
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 our 2023 recap post to see how impactful our scrappy People Power United group is!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.