Zero Climate Emissions (85)
Europe pushes for zero emissions target by 2050
Written by Stephen Bygrave | ReNew Economy
Europe continues to lead the world on climate action as Australia lags further behind. This week the European Parliament has begun debate on 2 key reforms to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme – the first being the withdrawal of surplus allowances to raise the price of permits; the second to set a market stability reserve to avoid the low prices that have hampered the scheme for the past several years.
In Name of Climate Justice, Louisiana Tribe Rises Up for Rights and Recognition
Written by Allie Yee | Facing South
United Houma Nation renews fight for federal recognition in the face of sinking lands and environmental disasters
The Time Has Come to Keep Fossil Fuels in the Ground
Written by Bianca Jagger | Common Dreams
The fossil fuel industry is condemning us to climate disaster. We must restructure the world energy usage and embark on a renewable revolution.
Congress Holds First Hearing on Banning Fracking; Too Bad It’s A Circus
Written by Wenonah Hauter | Common Dreams
If it wasn’t about the future of the planet, I’d laugh at the chutzpah. One day after Earth Day, the GOP-led House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, chaired by Texas Congressman Lamar Smith (recipient of more than $600,000 from the oil and gas industry) held a hearing about efforts to ban fracking. Obviously, Big Oil and Gas is mighty worried about the success of the powerful grassroots movement to ban fracking.
Nation’s Strongest Fracking Ban Bill Introduced to Protect Public Lands
Written by Andrea Miller
Congressmembers Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, both Democrats, have made no secret of their strong opposition to fracking. Last December, for instance, as new rules were being formulated on the opening new areas of public lands to energy exploration and extraction, they introduced a bill to ban fracking entirely on public lands.
UPDATE: 3 arrested during Divest UMW sit-in released (with videos)
Written by Lindley Estes | Fredericksburg.com
UPDATE, 11:39 a.m.: All three protesters arrested at the University of Mary Washington on Wednesday evening were released, each on a $1,500 bond.
UMW students Noah Goodwin and Adam Wander, along with Fredericksburg resident Nina Angelini, were released from Rappahannock Regional Jail around midnight to members of the Divest UMW organization.
Commentary: UMW professors back student sit-in for divestment in fossil fuels
Written by Jason Davidson | Fredericksburg.com
SHORTLY AFTER University of Mary Washington students began their sit-in in front of President Hurley’s office a member of the board of visitors reportedly said they were “being a pest.”
This reaction suggests that Divest UMW is actually on the right path. History shows us that to attain social change, change that may be difficult and/or costly, it is often necessary to make decision-makers uncomfortable and even outraged.
With University's Carbon Footprint Exposed, Harvard's 'Heat Week' Gets Hotter
Written by Deidre Fulton | Common Dreams
With reports released this week exposing Harvard University's enormous carbon footprint, students, alumni, faith leaders, and community members are amplifying their call for the prestigious university to divest from its fossil fuel holdings.
Wind Power Creates 30,000 Texas Jobs, Generates $85 million in Taxes
Written by Big Country
AUSTIN, Texas – The boom in West Texas wind-powered electricity generation has delivered a major economic boost to the region, including creation of over 40 new businesses and 30,000 construction jobs in 57 West Texas counties since 2001, according to data collected by Public Citizen’s Texas office.
Duke Energy called out for targeting black community with 'cynical' anti-solar campaign
Written by Sue Sturgis | Facing South
A North Carolina minister and an environmental watchdog have sent a letter to Duke Energy President and CEO Lynn Good, criticizing the utility giant for targeting African-American community leaders as part of its campaign against rooftop solar.
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Reverend Yearwood delivers relatable climate change message
Written by Naima Montacer | My Environmental Adventures
A Reverend quietly walked on stage at the Brookhaven College Sustainability Summit last Thursday. Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr. wore the obligatory black suit with the bright white clerical collar, but his converse sneakers and flat-billed baseball cap sparked the interest of the crowd. His Keynote Address started off calm, cool and soft spoken. He hit his stride a few minutes in, and the crowd responded to his rhythmic spoken words with clapping and cheers of “Yes!” throughout his hour-long speech.
Divestment, Justice, and Vision: In Praise of a New Generation of Climate Leaders
Written by Voices for Climate Justice
Four years ago, a handful of college students travelled to West Virginia. In the heart of the Appalachian mountains, they saw two things: the destruction wrought by the fossil fuel industry, and the ongoing resistance of communities that have lived alongside it for generations.
Koch Brothers Quietly Seek To Ban New Mass Transit In Tennessee
Written by Katie Valentine | ThinkProgress
The Tennessee Senate passed a bill last week that, if approved, would broadly ban mass transit projects in the region, an anti-transit effort that’s gotten some help in the state from Charles and David Koch.
Why the Sustainable Development Goals Matter
Written by Jeffrey D. Sachs | Project Syndicate
Following the progress made under the Millennium Development Goals, which guided global development efforts in the years 2000-2015, the world’s governments are currently negotiating a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the period 2016-2030.