Friends,
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970. Although we won’t take to the streets this year, environmentalists and activists across the world are coming together virtually to observe this important anniversary.
In our continuing effort to elevate meaningful opportunities to help out in our communities during the Covid-19 crisis and to ensure a #JustRecovery, we at 350 Fairfax would like to honor Earth Day 2020 by sharing a call to action and several virtual events.
Call to Action from Mothers Out Front Virginia
Despite Governor Northam's stay-in-place order until June 10th, Mountain Valley Pipeline is still planning to send up to 1,600 additional workers to Southwest Virginia if a crucial permit is reissued in late April. This action unnecessarily puts both pipeline workers and rural communities at risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Rural communities in Southwest Virginia that are often poorer, older, and have fewer medical resources are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic.
Mothers Out Front–Virginia is calling on Governor Northam to recognize that construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure is an unwarranted health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Help us stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect rural communities and workers by sending an email to Governor Northam today to declare new fossil fuel infrastructure nonessential during the pandemic!
Upcoming Virtual Events
Earth Day Live
April 22-24, all day
Starting today, activists, performers, thought leaders, and artists will come together for an empowering, inspiring, and communal three-day livestream mobilization. The fights against the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis go hand-in-hand, and as we work to flatten the curve, we must strive toward the longer term goal of building a society rooted in sustainability and justice. Watch the livestream at https://www.earthdaylive2020.org/
The State of Fracked Gas and the Proposed Federal Bailouts
April 23, 6 to 7 p.m.
Join Food and Water Action for the kickoff webinar of a multi-week series to learn more about the current state of the oil and gas industry, the current federal bailout proposals, and how you can help ensure a transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. RSVP for the April 23 webinar here.
Saving the Planet, One Forkful at a Time Luncheon Series: Part III
April 26, 1 p.m.
This virtual luncheon, sponsored by the UUCF Climate Action Group, will feature panelists Rev. Kären Rasmussen, founder and director of No Child Goes Hungry; Cory Suter, chair of the Fairfax Food Council’s Urban Agriculture Workgroup; and Lisa Whetzel, executive director of Britepaths. The panelists will discuss what problems have arisen from our food production and distribution systems and what their organizations do to address these issues, especially in this time of crisis. The conversation will focus on what we as individuals can do to help and what we can do to promote systemic corporate and governmental change. RSVP to Loretta Rowe for the Zoom link.
Mother’s Day Climate Rally 2020
May 9, 3 to 4:15 p.m.
In lieu of a May general meeting, 350 Fairfax is asking all our members to attend the fourth annual Mother’s Day Climate Rally. This event will feature some of the biggest names in climate action, including Wenonah Hauter, founder and executive director of Food & Water Watch, and Bill McKibben, 350.org founder, renowned climate writer, and author of the New Yorker’s Climate Crisis newsletter. Mark your calendar! More details coming soon.
Stay well, everyone.
Julie and Helene
