Category: Uncategorized

Protesters have been marching and doing sit-ins all week. The GOP is calling them “sore losers” and others are saying they are wasting their time. What is remarkable is the peacefulness of these demonstrations. For those who are aware of the science, this is a matter of survival of life as we know it.

“The WMO reported that the past five years were the hottest on record. It reported rising sea levels, soon to increase as a result of the unexpectedly rapid melting of polar ice, most ominously the huge Antarctic glaciers. Already, Arctic sea ice over the past five years is 28 percent below the average of the previous 29 years, not only raising sea levels, but also reducing the cooling effect of polar ice reflection of solar rays, thereby accelerating the grim effects of global warming. The WMO reported further that temperatures are approaching dangerously close to the goal established by COP21, along with other dire reports and forecasts. {Noam Chomsky}”

An American political party committed to lifting the restrictions on fossil fuel extraction, one that denies the urgent warnings of all but a tiny handful of scientists, and ignores the weather events that should serve as warning — this dangerous party now controls all three branches of the US government and is planning to appoint officials who will accelerate fossil fuel extraction and use.

Now, more than ever, it is important that those of us who see the danger do all that we can to build an irresistible grass roots movement to thwart these suicidal political plans. Take a moment to follow the link and see what Chomsky said.

In the campaign President Elect Trump showed no concern about climate change.  Although the article link below refers to coal, we may expect the Trump Presidency to give more license to energy industry interests.  The role of activists will have to focus even more on damage control.

To the extent that Trump offered any major policy positions during the campaign—besides, that is, on building a wall—he made clear what his plans were in the areas of energy and the environment. He called climate change a “hoax”; he said he would “cancel” the international climate treaty negotiated last year, in Paris; and he promised to repeal the regulations that the Obama Administration put in place to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. In September, it was reported that Trump planned to pick Myron Ebell, a well-known climate-change denier and a lobbyist for Koch Companies Public Sector L.L.C., to lead his transition team for the Environmental Protection Agency. The choice made sense, as Trump said repeatedly that he wanted to abolish the E.P.A. — The New Yorker (11-9-16)

Keep watch!

Among the thousands who marched on Sunday July 24the were these two familiar faces from the Newtown Friends Meeting.

Read more news of the march here http://www.cleanenergymarch.org/

See videos recorded and streamed live at Unicorn Riot.

One undercurrent in the fracking fight is the erosion of democracy.  Large corporations exert political pressure and overpower local government and private individuals. Consider as an example the press to build 30,000 miles of gas pipeline in Pennsylvania when existing production and transport are sufficient for domestic needs. The State of Pennsylvania, the US Government, and the courts use sovereign powers to override local zoning and take land for these energy projects. Many see this as counter to the fundamental rights our democracy confers on all citizens and challenge the laws and regulations that support it.

The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) is one advocacy group that addresses this threat to Democracy.  Another is this webinar offered by The Next System Project:

(Click to see invitation)