Together, we can Protect Our Planet
đ 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.
Today in đ Protect Our Planet, weâre featuring: November 14, 2024 news briefs and 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 - November 14, 2024
Lee Zeldin, Trumpâs EPA pick, puts a moderate face on a radical plan
Mother Jones
âTrump made his anti-climate action, anti-environment agenda very clear during the campaign,â said Tiernan Sittenfeld, LCVâs senior vice president for government affairs. ⌠âDuring the confirmation process, we would challenge Lee Zeldin to show how he would be better than Trumpâs campaign promises or his own failing 14 percent environmental score if he wants to be charged with protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink, and finding solutions to climate change.
âI had to fight the flames burning down my own houseâ - This is climate breakdown
The Guardian By Panagiotis Nassis
In the last few years, the temperatures have increased due to climate change. We know we will face difficult fires, and theyâre getting more difficult every year. ⌠That is extremely worrisome for our quality of life in the years to come, as global warming is affecting the climate and cultivating conditions for a greater, more rapid fire breakout.
'Truly randomâ or sealed fate? Why some homes survived the Mountain fire while others burned
LA Times By Noah Haggerty
Yet as urban and suburban sprawl continues to push communities further into fire-prone landscapes and climate change continues to worsen blazes, scientists and fire experts are fiercely debating what control homeowners really have over whether their home survives â or if it simply comes down to chance ⌠Whether communities like Las Posas Estates and Camarillo Heights can truly beat fire in such an environment, though, remains a topic of fierce debate among scientists.
Kennedy's push to remove fluoride from water faces challenges
The Hill By Joseph ChoiÂ
Allukian, the former dental director for the city of Boston, said a fluoride-free environment would result in problems with bones and teeth as the chemical is a natural component of those body parts.
Trump promise to repeal Biden climate policies could cost US billions, report finds
The Guardian By Oliver MilmanÂ
Under Biden, the US legislated the Chips Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, all aimed in varying degrees to deal with the climate crisis while also bolstering American manufacturing.
Los Angeles set to build facility to transform wastewater into clean drinking water
LA Times By Ian JamesÂ
Los Angeles will soon begin building a $740-million project to transform wastewater into purified drinking water in the San Fernando Valley, expanding the cityâs local water supply in an effort to prepare for worsening droughts compounded by climate change. ⌠Sanitation and Environment. Currently, treated effluent from the plant is released into the Los Angeles River in the Sepulveda Basin, providing a significant portion of the riverâs flow in the area during dry times.
Biden to travel to Peru, Brazil for likely last summits with world leaders
ABC News By Michelle Stoddart, Alex PreshaÂ
Sullivan said that the trip will "underscore his personal commitment" to combating climate change in the U.S. and around the world. Biden's historic visit comes as the next administration will likely enact major changes when it comes to climate policy.
Can southern Brazilâs deadly floods spur the shift to green energy?
The Guardian
As the effects of the climate crisis are increasingly felt in South America, state authorities are urgently seeking to adapt and mitigate the risks of floods and extreme weather events in a region where the number of days of extreme rainfall has more than doubled since the 1960s. ⌠Marjorie Kauffmann, state environment secretary, says the disaster has created a rare sense of unity around the energy transition policy put forward in the middle of the electoral term. âIn 2023, our government adopted a systemic strategy to move towards renewable energy solutions.
Protect Our Planet - Video Highlights - November 14, 2024
Shell Wins Landmark Climate Lawsuit in Netherlandsď˝TaiwanPlus 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 Unitedâs 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:
âOur 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,â said Laurie Woodward GarcĂa 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 issueâit 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 essay argues why taking climate change seriously is essential for our survival and provides actionable steps we can all take to help mitigate its effects.
Why We Should Take Climate Change Seriously
The evidence of climate change is all around us, and it grows more apparent with each passing year. From wildfires ravaging forests to hurricanes intensifying in frequency and strength, climate change is already impacting communities 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, and 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.
One reason we must take climate change seriously is that it poses a direct threat to human health. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can lead to an increase in infectious diseases, exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and contribute to mental health issues due to the trauma and anxiety of coping with extreme weather events. Additionally, 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. The damage caused by extreme weather events costs billions of dollars every year, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and public health. If we fail to address climate change, these costs will only escalate, leading to severe economic instability. Conversely, taking climate action can create millions of new 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 create a culture that values environmental stewardship. Here are some practical actions individuals can take at home and work to help mitigate global warming:
Actions to Take at Home
Reduce Energy Consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, switch to LED lighting, and consider smart thermostats to minimize electricity use. Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use also helps reduce energy waste.
Switch to Renewable Energy Sources: If available, choose green energy options from your utility provider, such as wind or solar power. Installing solar panels can also be an option for homeowners looking to produce their own clean energy.
Limit Water Usage: Water processing and heating require a significant amount of energy. Reduce water waste by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-saving appliances.
Adopt a Plant-Based Diet: The meat industry contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat and dairy consumption, even just a few days a week, can significantly lower your carbon footprint.
Compost and Recycle: Organic waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting food scraps and recycling materials like paper, glass, and plastic can reduce waste and emissions.
Drive Less: Opt for public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible. For those with longer commutes, consider a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle to reduce carbon emissions from driving.
Actions to Take at Work
Promote Remote Work and Virtual Meetings: If feasible, remote work can reduce the emissions associated with commuting and office energy use. Virtual meetings also reduce the need for travel, lowering the companyâs overall carbon footprint.
Implement Energy-Efficient Practices: Encourage the use of energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems in the workplace. Installing motion sensors for lights and upgrading insulation can make a big difference.
Reduce Paper Waste: Transition to digital documents and reduce printing wherever possible. If printing is necessary, use recycled paper and set printers to print double-sided by default.
Encourage Sustainable Commuting: Offer incentives for employees who use public transportation, bike, or carpool to work. Many organizations provide tax benefits or stipends for sustainable commuting.
Source Green Office Supplies: Opt for eco-friendly office supplies, including recycled paper, non-toxic cleaners, and biodegradable products. Encouraging the purchase of sustainable materials supports eco-friendly businesses and reduces waste.
Advocate for Climate-Conscious Policies: Support or suggest company policies that focus on sustainability, such as sourcing from eco-friendly vendors, conducting waste audits, and setting carbon reduction goals.
The Importance of Collective Action
While individual actions are essential, they alone will not solve climate change. Systemic change is necessary, and this requires us to advocate for climate action at all levels of government and in every sector of society. Supporting policies that promote renewable energy, protect natural habitats, and regulate industrial emissions is critical. By voting for climate-conscious leaders, participating in climate activism, and educating others, we can push for the changes needed to prevent further environmental degradation.
The fight against climate change is a collective effort. Each of us has a role to play, whether by making personal lifestyle changes, influencing workplace practices, or advocating for sustainable policies. If we fail to take action, we risk leaving a world uninhabitable for future generations. However, by working together, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for ourselves and those who come after us.
Now is the time to take climate change seriouslyânot tomorrow, not next year, but today. The choices we make will determine the world we leave behind, and together, we can 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 our 2023 recap post to see how impactful our scrappy People Power United group is!â
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.