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.
đ Every action counts in the fight against climate change. Today in Protect Our Planet, weâre featuring December 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 Oppose Trumpâs 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
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
Give us a â¤ď¸ heart and leave a comment on this post. Share this post on your social media channel.
Click here to upgrade your subscription or become a paid subscriber
Stay connected, get Protect Our Planet on the Substack app
Protect Our Planet - News Briefs
Exclusive | Biden Administration Agrees to Record $15 Billion Loan to PG&E
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration will provide a record $15 billion low-interest loan commitment to California utility company PG&E PCG -0.76%decrease; red down pointing triangle to support hundreds of projects aimed at fighting the effects of climate change and improving the electrical grid.
David vs. Goliath: Mass. tries to even the playing field for decisions about energy infrastructure
Boston Globe
âThis is really a new chapter for energy in Massachusetts,â said Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Tepper on Monday afternoon. For John Walkey, director of climate justice at GreenRoots in Chelsea, the new fund is agame changer.
Barry Jenkins on why he made âMufasaâ and how it changed him as a filmmaker
Boston Globe
We evolved the animation to the point where we could create the light, we could create the set, we could create the environment.
India tightens curbs as air pollution turns 'severe'
Reuters
The country's top court has also taken up the matter and in October it defined living in a pollution-free environment as a "fundamental right" that governments will have to address. Get the latest news from India and how it matters to the world with the Reuters India File newsletter.
More than 6m homes at risk of flooding in England, says Environment Agency
The Guardian
More than 6m homes in England are at risk of flooding under the latest climate projections, a study by the Environment Agency has found. This could rise to 8m â or one in four properties â by 2050, the study said. ⌠Now it needs to fix this by strengthening the national adaptation programme, in consultation with the communities most impacted by the climate crisis.â
Climate tech firms get $80 million to pull carbon from paper mills, sewage plant
Reuters
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to withdraw from a deal to cap global warming and cut support for carbon capture, companies in sectors including tech and finance continue to back efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Biden administration gas export report could upset Trump energy policy
Politico
While the report from the Energy Department stops short of recommending the U.S. cap exports, as environmentalists had demanded, it recommended that regulators take a much stricter line in determining whether the United Statesâ soaring gas permits are benefiting or imperiling the national interest. 12-17
Protect Our Planet - Video News Briefs
How climate change impacted 2024 | CBS News
Landmark climate change hearing at The Hague ends on question of reparations | VOA Africa
Looking back on 2024âs extreme weather | ClimateWatch 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 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 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 threatâit 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. Letâs 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.