How can we apply the 2023 NY Build Public Renewables Act and federal incentives to establish a renewable energy hub for Brooklyn College and its neighbors? Learn how climate activists and community members can help Brooklyn tap into the promise of publicly-owned renewable energy during this webinar, taking place on Tuesday, July 23 at 7 pm. The event will prepare us for a campaign ramping up this fall, and will feature Dr. Michael Menser, director of Brooklyn College's Urban Sustainability Program; New York Energy Democracy Alliance's Patrick Robbins; and Rona Taylor, executive director of Central X South East Brooklyn CDC. Make sure to register for this event on zoom!
Stop EACOP! Rally: Climate justice for the Global South
Friday, July 26 from 10:00am-1:00pm, starting at Bryant Park
Join us for a Summer of Heat rally action about the global campaign to Stop EACOP, the world's largest pipeline that, if built, will displace an estimated 100,000 people and put the water source and ecosystems of 40 million people at grave risk. Meet at 10 am at Bryant Park, at the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street, marching to AIG, which is one of the nation's largest insurers of the fossil fuel industry and is considering insuring EACOP. Register for updates! Bring music and noisemakers! And watch the film EACOP: A Crude Reality.
Citi CEO March to End Climate Destruction
Saturday, July 27, 11:00am-2:00pm at Citi HQ, 388 Greenwich St
The world is on fire. Ecosystems are collapsing. Hundreds of thousands are being displaced from their homes. We have all the technology we need to transition off fossil fuels. Without the support of Wall Street, Big Oil will fail, so we will make Wall Street’s financing of fossil fuels untenable. Join us for a rally on Saturday, July 27 at 11 am that will begin at Citibank’s headquarters, located at 388 Greenwich Street in Manhattan. From there, we will march to the Citi CEO’s home, where we will stage a raucous noise protest (whistles, vuvuzelas, and noise makers will be provided) and occupy the street outside. Sign up to take part!
350Brooklyn’s Annual Picnic Potluck
Thursday, August 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm in Prospect Park
Food, drink and summertime conviviality–in August we get together and just hang out. Bring something to share, a friend, and reusable utensils. Enter the park at Grand Army Plaza and walk into Long Meadow. Look for the table with the bright blue 350Brooklyn tablecloth. No need to RSVP–just come!
The importance of get-out-the-vote activities this year
Are you struggling with the real potential of losing our democracy to a leader who is also telegraphing that Big Oil will be in charge through his promise to “drill, baby drill” on day one? Are you looking for a way to help elect politicians who care about climate, jobs and justice? There are many impressive organizations that can help you get out the vote and elect local, state and federal government officials who can move us toward a just and sustainable future. To help you and your family and friends find a way forward, 350Brooklyn has collected a list of organizations to share. Starting in the next issue of 350Brooklyn Community News, we will also be highlighting one organization in each issue to help you choose which groups you would like to work with.
Here is the list of some well-respected organizations:
Email additional suggestions to [email protected].
FROM OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES
Protect trees in Fort Greene Park
The Friends of Fort Greene Park have been fighting for seven years to protect 78 mature climate-protecting trees from being cut down by the NYC Department of Parks. The City wants to replace the trees with a commercial plaza. The Friends could use your help! To volunteer with them, email [email protected], sign their petition, and donate. If you are in City Council District 35, tell Council Member Crystal Hudson to save the trees! Call her at 718-260-9191 or email her at [email protected].
More trees are under threat
Now Mayor Adams wants to cut down more trees, this time in Mount Prospect Park. With ambitions for NYC to become the "skate capital of the East Coast,” he plans to concrete over another climate-protecting grove to put in a skate park, even while two existing skateparks in nearby neighborhoods could really use upgrades. Support the Friends of Mount Prospect Park by signing their petition and, if you're in Council Member Crystal Hudson's district, tell her that these trees, too, need to stay.
Hurricane checklist from NY Renews
NY Renews' Hurricane and Blackout Guide is a comprehensive document with checklists and information on what you can do in the event of a severe hurricane and/or blackout in your neighborhood. Email your suggestions for other extreme weather preparation resources to [email protected].
Get involved in one of our workgroups!
350Brooklyn is volunteer-powered. At the heart of these efforts are our campaigns and committees. Follow the links below for more information on how to join.
Arts Ideas and Events organizes special events and field trips; identifies topics and arranges speakers for 350Brooklyn member meetings; and creates art, props and costumes for rallies and parades. We welcome your ideas and talents. Email us at [email protected].
Climate Check Stories and Solutions is 350Brooklyn’s podcast. Each monthly episode breaks down the climate crisis through conversations with local climate activists and community organizers. We discuss individual climate stories and pinpoint policies and local actions that can lead us to a healthier climate and a more just society—from fighting pipelines to working with nature and everything in-between. Email us at [email protected].
350BK Families is part of the Climate Families NYC coalition which aims to make climate activism accessible to parents and families. Our activities bring children, youth, and their adults together to fight for a livable future in age appropriate ways. Email us at [email protected].
Legislation focuses on passing significant climate legislation in Albany and in Washington. We develop relationships with local officials, research key issues, and participate in tactics like rallies and phone relays. email [email protected].
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. We write copy, design graphics, run 350BK's social media channels and website, edit our biweekly community newsletter, and oversee creative initiatives like the new 350Brooklyn e-magazine Parts Per Million. Get in touch at [email protected].
People vs. Fossil Fuels/350BK is an action focused-group that works with the national PvFF coalition calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency, stop approving fossil fuel leases and exports, and support the work of frontline communities across the country. Join us to have fun while we fight the black snake! Learn about the national coalition: peoplevsfossilfuels.org. Email: [email protected]
Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet monthly via Zoom, and work on a variety of projects including legislative lobbying efforts, campaigns promoting going plastic free, and neighborhood efforts to reduce waste. Email us at [email protected].
No time but able to donate? While we are an affiliate of 350.org, we are programmatically independent and our financial support comes solely from our members. Can you offer financial support, at any level? Donate here.
