We're everywhere! (See our pix.)

View this email in your browser ([link removed])

Seizing the Initiative!

Despite dismissals by the U.S. president and conservative news media, the acute danger of global warming and environmental abuse is now recognized by a majority of the American public ([link removed]) . The actual experience of increased heat, fires and floods, combined with the educational efforts of national environmental organizations, has led many people to demand action.

In the last few months, Aa has found itself in the middle of the mounting effort to radically reorient national priorities to confront the crisis. The flood survivor groups we work with (part of our Higher Ground ([link removed]) initiative) are on the front line of change. Here are a few examples:
In Charleston, SC, members of Lowcountry Flooded States of America ([link removed]) , unveiled our United Flooded States of America banner at a public hearing to protest their city's continuing push to develop in flood prone areas.

[link removed]

Ana Zimmerman from Lowcountry Flooded States of America.
Anti flooding rally in Charleston.
They went on to host a rally, in partnership with the Concerned Citizens of Johns Island, and Johns Island Progressive Club, attended by state senators, city council members, the mayor from a neighboring town, and four of the five candidates for Charleston mayor. The event was covered by Charleston City Paper ([link removed]) , ABCNews4
([link removed]) , and Live5News ([link removed]) .

Also in flood-ravaged South Carolina, April O’Leary, of Horry County Rising ([link removed]) , hosted a United Flooded States of America spaghetti dinner, and produced two videos and 12 Facebook Live educational forums, tagging in key state politicians. She and other SC environmental justice advocates have spoken about flooding with 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Beto O’Rourke.
[link removed]
Presidential Candidate, Mayor Pete Buttigieg met with April O'Leary, from Horry County Rising, in Conway, South Carolina. He mentioned her in his speech!
In addition, Susan Lyons and Diane Aghapour from Groundswell Charleston ([link removed]) !, traveled to Washington D.C. to lobby their U.S. legislators. Susan was featured in this video ([link removed]) by News21.
Susan Lyons and Diane Aghapour in Washington D.C.
In Gulfport, MS, Katherine Egland, co-founder of the environmental justice nonprofit, EEECHO ([link removed]) is helping two historically renowned African American communities fight commercial development on a vital, adjacent wetland. Aa matched her with a scientific team through our partnership with the Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) of the America Geophysical Union., and found her an ace, pro bono lawyer (Professor Desiree Hensley from the University of Mississippi) to go on the offensive. Watch here for updates!

John Johnson, former elected official and long time resident of North Gulfport at a meeting with TEX scientists.
In the borough of Staten Island, New York, Gabriella Velardi Ward of the Coalition for Wetlands and Forests ([link removed]) hosted a public forum on climate change and flooding. Her group is fighting commercial development that threatens to flood residents and destroy a sensitive wetland that is home for endangered turtles. (Yay turtles!) Campaign members sent over 1,700 letters of protest to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and earned the support of Congressman Max Rose. See the media coverage in Curbed
([link removed]) , Crain’s ([link removed]) , the Gothamist
([link removed]) , SiLive ([link removed]) and City Limits
([link removed]) .
Members of the Coalition for Wetlands and Forests ([link removed]) in Staten Island.
Finally, here are pictures of just a few of our other intrepid, Higher Ground team members from across the country rallying, protesting and organizing to stop flooding, halt global warming and end environmental injustice.
Hilton Kelley of Community In-Power and Development Association ([link removed]) in Port Arthur, TX.
Members of A Community Voice ([link removed]) from New Orleans, LA.
A Community Voice also involved the local schools.
Kevin and Irma McKinney from the Flood Victims of Richwood ([link removed]) , Texas.
Camille Hadley (left) of Little Growers ([link removed]) in Melbourne, FL, and members of her family, with State Representative Randy Fine (in blue t-shirt).

[link removed]

Nick DeStefano, resident of Pequannock, NJ describing how he helped secure federal funds to get homes elevated.

April O'Leary (Horry County Rising) at a rally for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Ana Zimmerman (Lowcountry Flooded States of America, Charleston) with Bernie Saunders.

============================================================
** ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
** ([link removed])

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Anthropocene Alliance . 5000 N Marine Drive . Apt 12A . Chicago, IL 60640 . USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]