Embedded Files
Don't you love good news and real progress? Here's a story about clean water from my adopted state showing that it can be done!
PRESS RELEASE
With Gov. Pritzker’s Signature,
Illinois Moves to Phase Out
Toxic Forever Chemicals
August 18, 2025
Maybe you have noticed that I have been absent from posting to my website and sharing climate related stories and information. That is because my husband and I have been on a cross country train vacation! I am just getting back on my laptop after 2 weeks of "riding the rails" and trying to get caught up on laundry, family, garden produce and more. While going through a ton of emails, one of the first climate related items was from the High Speed Rail Alliance about Amtrak! So I had to share it with you. It is about where our country stands on supporting rail and includes a very good podcast. I feel like I learned a lot about the rail experience on this trip, good and bad. The trains were full, of people from all over the country, all ages, all backgrounds. So there is definitely a need and desire for this mode of transportation. For us it was the desire to see the country without having to do all that driving. The down side, as we saw it, was that the trains were old. There were breakdowns that caused long delays, made worse by the fact that the present administration has cut staffing, including maintenance! The other problem was that they share the tracks with the freight lines, which caused further delays. The experience was positive, but should be so much better. This article tells how. By the way, I enjoyed sitting in an Observation Car just like the one in the picture!
https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/08/12/is-u-s-passenger-rail-having-a-big-moment
I have been receiving e-mails from this group for a while, so I finally decided to go to their website and see what they're all about.
"Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit public interest environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change.
We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer."
Here is the latest news from EarthJustice:
First Big Win Against Trump 2.0
"The USDA erased entire climate sections from the U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service websites, including information helping farmers access billions of dollars for critical conservation practices. This purge hurt communities across the country by depriving farmers, researchers, and advocates of the resources they need to make time-sensitive farming decisions and participate in highly consequential debates about USDA funding and policies related to climate change. We stand ready to ensure that USDA follows through on its promise to restore these crucial.
Despite all the negative news from the federal government, progress on climate initiatives is still happening at the state and local levels. This article was in our local Evanston Roundtable:
Unitarian Church goes solar- taking major step toward zero emissions
by Chuck Wasserburg May 26th, 2025
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/05/26/evanston-unitarian-church-solar-power/
A lot of people I know (including me!) live on or near the Great Lakes. Here is some good news from Alliance for the Great Lakes, concerning the project to keep invasive carp from getting into the lake system:
"Invasive carp are headed toward the Great Lakes, advancing up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers where they have already wreaked havoc.
The Brandon Road project – a series of underwater deterrents and barriers at an existing lock in Illinois – is our best chance to stop them before they threaten the region’s $5.1 billion fishing and $16 billion recreational boating industries."
Click on the link below to read the rest of the article.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQbfLdjzkDflGbpdJXdKvKZrPTm
You may have heard about the president's comments about California's rail project:
Trump rips California rail project, says it will be Newsom's downfall
The president said Gov. Gavin Newsom’s support for high-speed rail and his handling of the Los Angeles wildfires make him unelectable. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/06/trump-california-rail-newsom-00331315
Since I receive regular newsletters from The High Speed Rail Alliance, with reports on the progress of rail projects all over the country, I thought you might be interested in what is actually going on. Here are a few articles:
California High-Speed Rail Provides 2025 Project Update
https://railway-news.com/california-high-speed-rail-provides-2025-project-update/
High-Speed Rail Doesn't Exist in America. Here's What's Being Developed.
https://entertainment-mag.com/high-speed-rail-doesnt-exist-in-america-heres-whats-being-developed/
If you are interested in learning more, there is a webinar on May 16th you can register for:
What’s the Latest on Federal Funding?
I am so proud to announce this great news about my recently adopted city of Evanston! Putting this all together took an incredible amount of work from many people of various knowledgeable backgrounds, over much time and through much effort. I became aware of this through the leader of my League of Women Voters Climate Interest Group, who did a lot to get it to fruition. They never gave up, and thanks to them, we have hope for a better future. The first in our state and a great example for other cities and towns! Congrats to all who were involved!
Here is an article from the most recent Sierra about the good and the bad uses of AI:
Bringing the Cloud Down to Earth
Machine learning can help monitor emissions, predict wildfires, improve power grids, and design better batteries
By Katharine Gammon December 16, 2024
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2024-4-winter/notes-here-there/ai-bringing-cloud-down-earth
This article from The Guardian shows how people in the global south, in this case Africa, are finding ways to reduce the temperature to combat Climate Change.
A green belt circling the capital of Burkina Faso is preparing the country for the climate crisis
By Èlia Borràs
Train travel is sounding better to me every time I hear about an airplane mishap. This is an update from the High Speed Rail Alliance:
Canada Commits to High-Speed Rail Project Alto
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans for Alto, a high-speed rail line connecting Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City with 186 mph trains. The government has committed $2.74 billion (U.S.) for the design and development over the next six years.
https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/02/19/canada-getting-high-speed
Follensby Pond Transforms Conservation—Again
Follensby Pond Transforms Conservation—Again
Historic agreement protects Follensby Pond, creates innovative freshwater research preserve and expands public access in the Adirondacks.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/new-york/stories-in-new-york/follensby-pond-raquette-river/
A few days ago we received a flyer in the mail from our energy company, ComEd, entitled:
"the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program"
-of course I was interested! It tells all about new ways to save, offering a wide range of rebates, discounts and services. There are incentives to go electric and free assessments, as well as energy saving tips and links to their website to get it all started. This is for people in my area, but maybe your area has a similar program to help you save energy and $$$ in the process?
Evanston and sustainNU lead climate action amid Chicago’s sustainability struggles
Taylor Hancock, Newsletter Editor January 7, 2025
This post is mostly of interest to people in my area, but I would love to know what your area is doing!
Here is some good news for the new year from the High Speed Rail Alliance:
"New bill in Congress proposes to invest $200 billion in fast, electrified trains"
Capitol Corridor Success Story
Capitol Corridor Success Story
Do you like success stories? This one from the High Speed Rail Alliance is about train service that helps our climate:
"The Capitol Corridor passenger-train line, which offers service from San Jose to Sacramento, is exceptional in a lot of ways.
It’s popular. It had the fourth-highest ridership among Amtrak’s state-supported routes in 2023, serving more than 900,000 passengers. It passed the 1 million mark for 2024 in October.
It’s innovative. The Capitol Corridor recently became the first route in the US to implement a “tap-to-ride” payment method, which lets riders pay by holding their credit card or phone to a scanner on board the train.
And it’s reliable. For much of the past 25 years, the system’s on-time rate has been at or above 90 percent, which is about 20 points above average."
https://www.hsrail.org/blog/capitol-corridor-success-story-part-1/
Last night I watched a zoom presentation from Sierra Club. As you might expect, they were pretty downcast, as are most people who care about the environment. They are not about to give up however. They have been through this before, and have lots of plans. They also spoke about what makes them hopeful, including the fact that so much gets done on the state and local levels. I didn't realize that Sierra Club also has state and local chapters that you can join as volunteers! I will put a link to that website below. I sent in my renewal for my subscription to Sierra Club magazine, because it really is a great magazine, and now they really need the money to carry on with their work.
It's probably not too surprising that ever since the disastrous last leg of my otherwise lovely road trip, I've been giving more thought to train travel. Here is an update from High Speed Rail Alliance. This may be of particular interest to some of my New York friends, since it's about Penn Station! Of course, there's a link to Explore Your Region, so you can check what's going on wherever you call home, or want to go!
Penn Station needs to expand
Penn Station needs to expand
https://www.hsrail.org/blog/amtrak-report-seeks-to-end-penn-station-new-york-debate
Oct. 2, 2024
Maybe we could use some "Stories of Hope" right now. Here are some from The Nature Conservancy,
plus some cute pictures, too.
Stories of Hope:
Stories of Hope:
Conservation Success in the Midwest
Conservation Success in the Midwest
Positive achievements for nature and people can—and are—happening right in your backyard.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/great-lakes/stories-in-the-great-lakes/midwest-conservation-stories-of-hope/
Have you wondered what exactly Carbon Capture is all about? I know I have. Here is a brilliant article enlightening the subject, written by one of the amazing women in my own League of Women Voters Climate Change Local Program Committee:
Climate Corner– Carbon Capture and Sequestration
—by Elizabeth Kinney, published September 2024
"Interest in carbon capture and sequestration to address climate change has grown. Before carbon capture can contribute significantly to climate mitigation, challenges related to cost, safety assurance, and enhanced oil extraction concerns must be addressed."
https://lwve.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=303977&module_id=692131
Youths Win Landmark Settlement in Hawai'i That Enshrines “Life-Sustaining Climate Policy” Into Law
The outcome of the case marks a major victory for young climate activists
By Dana Drugmand June 22, 2024
Are you ready for some GOOD news?! I think we could all use some, and I this is great news from the Alliance for the Great Lakes:
PRESS RELEASE
Historic Agreement Signed to
Keep Invasive Carp Out of the Great Lakes
July 1, 2024
Do you wonder what's going on with mass public transportation- local or long distance? Here is a link from the High Speed Rail Alliance to their Weekly Update Newsletter. The link goes to New York, but there's a link to "Explore Your Region" at the top, and other interesting stuff.
I read this article recently in Sierra, the magazine of The Sierra Club. When I read it, I felt like it was part 2 of another article I had just read in the same issue (which I also recently posted). It can seem encouraging in some ways. I hope you will read it.
Has Geothermal’s Moment Finally Arrived?
A new generation of innovators is gambling on its future
By Stephen Robert Miller, Illustrations by Nicolás Ortega
March 11, 2024
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2024-1-spring/feature/geothermal-renewable-energy-moment-finally-arrived
Here's a great article from Sierra Club's magazine. I read it in my print copy. It's about how differently Colorado and Montana are dealing with the changes related to coal economies.
Two Coal States, Two Very Different Futures
Colorado and Montana both depended on coal, but only Colorado admits that it's over
By Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan Photos by Sean F. Boggs
You can read the entire article here:
YOUR CLIMATE CAREER STARTS HERE
YOUR CLIMATE CAREER STARTS HERE
The American Climate Corps is hiring!
The American Climate Corps is hiring!
The American Climate Corps is a federally-funded employment program intended to help people gain job skills and improve U.S. infrastructure. Help build a clean energy and climate-resilient future in your community and across the nation.
Well, you can't say that I don't try to bring you a variety of sustainability news! This one is from the Chicago Sun Times. I'm not sure how I feel about the idea, but it is an interesting concept, and gives you something to think about.
Afternoon Edition: 'Green burial?'
Afternoon Edition: 'Green burial?'
Chicagoans explore eco-friendly funerals
Chicagoans explore eco-friendly funerals
By Matt Moore Apr 22, 2024, 3:00pm CDT
Are you a bird lover? Then you might be interested in this article from Audubon. It's about legislation to protect their habitats, but actually, it benefits us, too.
Wetlands and Bird Conservation Bill Advances in the Senate
The ACE Act renews funding for habitat conservation programs.
“Wetlands not only provide critical habitat to birds and wildlife, they also serve as a natural solution to reducing carbon emissions and protecting against climate threats,” said Jesse Walls, senior director of government affairs at the National Audubon Society.
https://www.audubon.org/news/wetlands-and-bird-conservation-bill-advances-senate
Great Lakes Restoration
Great Lakes Restoration
I live 7 blocks from one of the Great Lakes, and my former state bordered on 2 Great Lakes. The fresh water contained in the Great Lakes is important to all of us.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes.
"Last week, thanks to support from people across the Great Lakes region, members of Congress from both parties and both chambers introduced a major bill to renew funding for Great Lakes restoration over the next five years.
The bill dedicates $500 million annually to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative – which includes projects that help clean up toxic hotspots, reduce harmful algal blooms, prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species, and restore habitat for fish and wildlife.
For the last 14 years, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been delivering for our region. Without reauthorization, which is one of our major priorities for 2024, it will expire soon. "
Do you like to travel by rail? I used to go back and forth to NYC from Schenectady by Amtrak, and we went from the Hudson Valley by Metro North many times. We have also traveled in Europe and Alaska by train. I have always enjoyed it, and would like to take some long distance trips across the US and Canada. I just got an Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study in my local Sustainability Newsletter:
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study
Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study
"The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking feedback on the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study, which examines intercity passenger rail connectivity in the United States. This could have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase accessibility across the country."
"The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking feedback on the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study, which examines intercity passenger rail connectivity in the United States. This could have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase accessibility across the country."
Welcome to the Green Era
Welcome to the Green Era
Transforming Chicago — for the environment, for equity, for all.
Green Era’s mission is to create more sustainable communities by supporting local food production through better management of biodegradable waste and access to soil. We’re transforming a 9-acre vacant brownfield on the South Side of Chicago into a renewable energy facility and green oasis for economic empowerment, clean energy, fresh produce, and vibrant communities.
Here is another encouraging article from Sierra about sustainable job opportunities for the future!
Appalachian Organizations Are Working to Make the Region a Hub for Green Manufacturing and Clean Energy
New federal funding will help small and medium-size manufacturers join the emerging circular economy
By Austyn Gaffney March 6, 2024
Sea Otters Are the Unlikely Heroes Helping to Restore a Marine Ecosystem
Sea Otters Are the Unlikely Heroes Helping to Restore a Marine Ecosystem
Researchers find these top predators play a key role in stabilizing the salt marshes of Monterey Bay
By Lydia Larsen February 15, 2024
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/sea-otters-are-unlikely-heroes-helping-restore-marine-ecosystem
Here is another good news story, because we always need to hear hopeful stories, especially when it comes to our young people!
"ETHS (Evanston Township High School) set to make history with ‘Green New Deal’ of its own"
“ETHS will sustainably manage its resources through the creation and implementation of a sustainability plan that: reduces energy consumption and waste, incorporates sustainability into training and curriculum, and includes sustainability in purchasing,” the policy states. “ETHS will uphold its commitment to students and future generations by using this policy to guide decisions when economically and practically feasible.”
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/02/15/eths-to-make-history-with-green-new-deal-of-its-own/
Here is another positive progress story! My new home city of Evanston is taking another step towards becoming more sustainable.
"Rooftop solar coming soon to Robert Crown Community Center
City Council greenlights agreement with developer that will install, operate and maintain solar array – and provide electricity at a discount."
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/02/12/rooftop-solar-coming-soon-to-robert-crown/
St. Cloud's Circular Economy:
St. Cloud's Circular Economy:
Defining the Clean Energy Future
Defining the Clean Energy Future
St. Cloud, Minnesota, is a city of 80,000 people that straddles the Mississippi and they are flipping the script on climate change! Eight years ago, St, Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis set a goal for City operations to be carbon neutral by 2030, not including energy generated by the city's hydropower dam on the Mississippi. The city met the goal of carbon neutrality in 2020 - ten years ahead of plan. When taking into account the hydro facility, the city now produces three times as much energy as it uses as a municipality — saving about $1.5 million from their annual budget. The City's new goal is that by 2028 the entire St. Cloud community is carbon neutral for its electrical use, and by 2038 will be carbon neutral for electrical, building heat and transportation.
Here is the link to the webinar: https://www.lwvumrr.org/blog/st-clouds-circular-economy-defining-the-clean-energy-future
Are you getting cabin fever? Starting to daydream about going places? Planning vacations or travel? Here is an update on the progress of train service in the US from the High Speed Rail Alliance:
"Corridor ID awards set the stage for a national network of great trains"
Charging up Evanston’s EV future
Charging up Evanston’s EV future
Sustain Evanston grants give local firms a boost for electric vehicle and charger purchases
by Wendy Pollock January 16th, 2024 for the Evanston Roundtable
This is great news for my hometown of Evanston! Keep up the good work! Here's the whole article:
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/01/16/charging-up-evanstons-ev-future/
2023 was our hottest year yet.
2023 was our hottest year yet.
What other milestones did we reach?
What other milestones did we reach?
There's some good news and some bad news- we've all heard that before! This is an article from National Geographic about the year just finished, and how we're doing:
2023 was our hottest year yet. What other milestones did we reach? (nationalgeographic.com)
New Law in Illinois!
Electric vehicles: New single-family homes and new residential construction with parking must have at least one EV-capable parking space for each unit.
And in Evanston, IL (where I live!)
A report to be presented to Evanston’s City Council Monday says Evanstonians are continuing to make progress in reducing their production of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. The analysis says total output of carbon dioxide equivalents was reduced by 5% in 2022 from the prior year and is down 48% from 2005 levels.
Are electric bikes the future of green transportation?
Are electric bikes the future of green transportation?
Have you ever considered riding an electric bike? You might find this article by Elaina Zachos for National Geographic an interesting read:
U.S. sales of e-bikes nearly doubled in just one year as commuters looked for accessible and affordable modes of transportation. If you’re considering one, here’s what you should know.
Nearly everything we do contributes to our carbon footprint. But a two-wheeled solution is zipping through the world at 20 miles an hour.
Sales of electric bikes, or e-bikes, are on the rise.
In 2021, more than 880,000 e-bikes were sold in the U.S., compared with 608,000 electric cars and trucks. That’s up from 450,000 e-bike sales in 2020. Cities, counties, and states are implementing e-bike rebate programs to respond to growing demand. And as commuters look for more sustainable and accessible ways to travel, many are asking if e-bikes are the solution.
“People just find that [e-bikes are] fun,” says Jennifer Dill of Portland State University’s Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC). “I don’t think we can undersell how that can motivate people.”
For the rest of the article: Are electric bikes the future of green transportation? (nationalgeographic.com)
Here's another update on rail progress and the upgrading of our infrastructure from Smartcitiesdive by way of High Speed Rail Alliance:
Amtrak Northeast Corridor projects
Amtrak Northeast Corridor projects
get $16B in federal funding
get $16B in federal funding
Major bridge and tunnel projects will make the nation’s busiest passenger railroad “safer, faster, and more reliable,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
Published Nov. 6, 2023
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/biden-dot-fra-amtrak-16b-northeast-corridor-projects/698839/
From National Geographic comes another thought provoking article:
This new technology could help cool people down—without electricity
This new technology could help cool people down—without electricity
As climate change brings more extreme heat, air conditioning use is going to skyrocket, baking the planet even more. What if there were a way to cool without making warming worse? BY TIM FOLGER
"Within 20 years the electricity needed to power the world’s air conditioners is expected to triple. The fossil fuels burned to run them already add about 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year in the United States alone. The very devices that keep us cool are helping to bake the planet."
Is there a solution? How could it work? Is it possible? Affordable? Find out!
This new technology could help cool people down—without electricity (nationalgeographic.com)
This is the future:’ New natural building material made of hemp could help Illinois and the US go green
This is the future:’ New natural building material made of hemp could help Illinois and the US go green
Pink Hats Construction and Development Group co-led a workshop in Chicago to teach architects, workers in the trades and others from around the country about hempcrete.
Pink Hats Construction and Development Group co-led a workshop in Chicago to teach architects, workers in the trades and others from around the country about hempcrete.
Hempcrete is a breathable, sustainable building material made from the woody interior of the hemp stalk. While not a direct replacement for modern concrete, it has many other uses, including insulation, wallboard and partition walls. Will Illinois embrace it?
This article by Jeremy Miller appeared in Sierra's online magazine almost a month ago, so I'm a little slow at acknowledging it, but it's definitely worth noting just the same. Every effort is needed, and every step in the right direction!
New Climate Corps Will Put Young People to Work to Address Global Warming
New Climate Corps Will Put Young People to Work to Address Global Warming
The Biden administration fulfills a promise the president made to young climate voters
The Biden administration fulfills a promise the president made to young climate voters
"There is growing bipartisan support among American voters for large-scale climate initiatives like the ACC. A 2023 survey by Data for Progress, a progressive think tank, found that 88 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of Independents, and 41 percent of Republicans are in favor of a national jobs program aimed at curbing climate change and maintaining public lands."
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/new-climate-corps-will-put-young-people-work-address-global-warming?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Bipartisan Coastal Protection Bill Flies through Senate Committee
Bipartisan Coastal Protection Bill Flies through Senate Committee
“Birds and people urgently need more protection on our coasts from storms and flooding. This bill meets that challenge by extending the benefits of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act to more areas along the coast,” said Portia Mastin, coastal conservation policy manager at National Audubon Society. “It will also identify the areas where marshes and beaches can naturally migrate inland as sea levels rise. Without this, we risk losing many of our wetlands, our birds, and the buffers that protect our coastal communities.”
Let's Make an Inflation Reduction Act Deal
Let's Make an Inflation Reduction Act Deal
Uncle Sam is handing out free money for you to electrify your life. Here's how to get your share.
Uncle Sam is handing out free money for you to electrify your life. Here's how to get your share.
In case you're wondering if the Inflation Reduction Act has anything in it for you (to do your part in helping our planet), here's and article from Paul Rauber for Sierra:
President Joe Biden's ambitious climate goal is to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 via the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided $370 billion to shift the country off dirty fossil fuels. What's the plan? Electrify everything! The electricity grid is rapidly converting from coal and gas to wind, solar, and other renewables, so now the trick is incentivizing consumers to make use of that clean energy in their homes and on the road. Think of the IRA as a thumb on the scales of consumer demand: Henceforth, going green will be not only the right thing to do but also the most economical.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2023-2-summer/stress-test/let-s-make-inflation-reduction-act-deal
One Year Later, Wins for the Environment
One Year Later, Wins for the Environment
and the Economy
and the Economy
What a difference an Inflation Reduction Act makes
What a difference an Inflation Reduction Act makes
Another great article from Sierra's editor, Ben Jealous:
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/one-year-later-wins-environment-and-economy
At first I wondered if they were talking about toy trains when they called them "trainsets", but I guess that's just the lingo! Anyway, it's pretty exciting progress. Of course, Europe has high speed rail.
This article is from the High Speed Rail Alliance and California High-Speed Rail Authority:
NEWS RELEASE: California High-Speed Rail Authority Moves Closer to Buying First Trainsets
August 24, 2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors took a major step toward bringing high-speed rail service to California by approving the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to industry for the nation’s first 220 mph electrified high-speed trainsets.
For a link to the whole article, you can click the link below:
People and organizations are talking more about Climate Change resiliency these days. What is it? Being prepared and adapting to what is now inevitable. Doing what we need to do is progress. Here's an article from Sierra about how our National Parks are preparing:
What Yellowstone’s Reopening Can Teach Us About Dealing With Climate Change at National Parks
Catastrophic flooding shut down America’s first national park last summer. Since then, a lot has gone right.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation group based in Montana, wants Yellowstone to keep climate change top of mind as park staff decide how to use their share of Inflation Reduction Act funds and the additional $900 million from Congress. “It’s not just flood money, it’s climate money,” said Sierra Harris, the group’s climate conservation coordinator. Harris, too, is worried about what will happen as climate disasters become more frequent. The way officials handled Yellowstone’s flood gives her hope.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
A Brand New National Monument will protect some 917,000 acres of federal land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park from new mining claims and will also bring added protections to thousands of Native American cultural sites in the area.
"Establishing the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument honors our solemn promise to tribal nations to respect sovereignty, preserves America’s iconic landscapes for future generations, and advances my commitment to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of our nation’s land and waters by 2030,” Biden said in a statement Monday.
Thank you President Biden!
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/president-biden-designates-new-national-monument-near-grand-canyon
Vermont Sets Ambitious Goal to Save Half of the State for Nature
Vermont Sets Ambitious Goal to Save Half of the State for Nature
New biodiversity measure aims to conserve 50 percent by 2050
New biodiversity measure aims to conserve 50 percent by 2050
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/vermont-sets-ambitious-goal-save-half-state-nature
What is the Integrated Network Approach?
What is the Integrated Network Approach?
I have been seeing lots of info lately about High Speed Rail Travel. This would benefit our environment, because one reason people fly is to save time traveling, but air travel is a big polluter. This is from the High Speed Rail Alliance:
"People can’t imagine transformative change until ideas are put into words. In North America, our limited language for talking about trains keeps people from understanding the full impact they could have. Instead, we draw from ideas and best practices across the globe, and we emphasize the benefits of better train service for communities of all sizes—across whole regions."
Click the link below to learn more:
https://www.hsrail.org/blog/integrated-network-approach/
“Climate Receiver” Cities Signal a Rust Belt Renaissance
“Climate Receiver” Cities Signal a Rust Belt Renaissance
Once depopulated, these areas of the US are becoming climate destinations
Once depopulated, these areas of the US are becoming climate destinations
Here's yet another interesting article from Sierra. I think it is "progress" because it is about taking negative realities, and finding ways to create positive results. Here is an excerpt:
"Over 50 years ago, large populations of residents across the US Rust Belt started abandoning their cities in a great migration. At the time, manufacturing jobs were disappearing and going overseas. With the jobs gone, workers from Wisconsin to New York, Detroit to Pittsburgh started chasing opportunities elsewhere.
Now the opposite is happening. Those same Rust Belt towns and cities from which people once decamped are becoming a destination point for a new generation of seekers: the climate conscious. As more extreme weather events such as wildfires, heat, drought, and sea level rise beset communities throughout the nation, many families are relocating to new climate refuges. With a peculiar set of advantages, these places could be the country’s best bet—if they do it right."
For the entire article by Jacqueline Kehoe, which is well worth the read, click the link below:
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/climate-receiver-cities-signal-rust-belt-renaissance
Pikes Peak’s Innovative Adaptation to the West’s Water Crisis
Pikes Peak’s Innovative Adaptation to the West’s Water Crisis
Yes, this is a feel-good story about mountaintop bathrooms.
Yes, this is a feel-good story about mountaintop bathrooms.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/pikes-peak-s-innovative-adaptation-west-water-crisis-mountaintop-bathrooms
Bold Leadership and Historic Investment Are Launching Climate Renewal
Bold Leadership and Historic Investment Are Launching Climate Renewal
Here's an optimistic article from Sierra by the editor, Ben Jealous. If you go to the link, there is also a link to ways the Inflation Reduction Act could benefit you!
"Orsted, a wind energy company, will manufacture what it needs to power about 300,000 Maryland homes as part of a state goal for offshore wind farms to provide electricity to about 3 million homes. That also will create 125 good jobs that pay well. And all of it is occurring on a site that once housed the world’s largest steel mill.
The Free State is showing what can happen when bold leadership and real dollars meet to address the challenge of climate change.
Governor Wes Moore and the state legislature last year set a goal for Maryland to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2031 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045"
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