Join the January meeting: “The New Landscape for Climate in Washington”
Thursday, January 14, 7:30 pm
Our monthly general meeting program will start off the New Year with a look at the potential for bold climate action in Washington, D.C., after the inauguration of President Biden. Speaker to be announced. Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 14, at 7:30 pm (and the second Thursday of every month!)
Advance registration is required to attend the meeting, which will take place over Zoom.
Join the Carbon Free January Challenge!
All year, climate activists march, lobby, write letters, make phone calls, and do whatever we think will lead to the big systemic change needed to counter the climate crisis. This January we wanted to add to that a more reflective note and look at our own personal choices.
We created the Carbon Free January Challenge as a fun way to experiment with inviting more sustainability into our lives. This community-driven effort is both personal and political. We'll make resolutions together, from going meat free to producing zero waste for a week (probably the hardest!) and share our biggest triumphs and challenges in the Facebook group. When you sign up for the challenge you'll get weekly tips along with related legislative actions you can take on each new topic. So, join our community where we'll share and support each other on our carbon-free journey. We will challenge ourselves while we challenge the system!
Tell NYS: Extend the deadline! Hold public hearings on National Grid’s application!
The No North Brooklyn Pipeline Coalition and its allies are asking New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation to extend the deadline for comments on National Grid’s application for an air quality permit for its unnecessary, environmentally-damaging North Brooklyn Pipeline. Citing the ongoing Covid emergency and widespread public concern over the project, the coalition is asking for both a 90-day extension on comments and a public hearing on the application. Tell DEC what you think! Email Caitlyn P. Nichols at DEC Region 2.
NYS divests fossil fuel investments from state pension funds
On December 9, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that he will divest the $226 billion state pension fund from risky fossil fuel companies and take other steps to align the fund's investments with forward-looking climate policies. This is the largest pension fund in the world to take such comprehensive action in response to the climate crisis. We at 350Brooklyn celebrate the eight long years of work by New Yorkers across the state that made this happen!
BK kids make simple request: Make Polluters Pay
As part of a statewide week of "artivism" organized by NY Renews, 350Brooklyn Families created a banner Sunday, December 13, in support of passing the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA). Kids worked on individual letters and hung them up one-by-one to create a large banner reading "Make Polluters Pay, Pass the CCIA." We were joined by Assembly Members Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon, and the event got covered by the BKReader. Watch the time-lapse video to see the banner being created in real time, and add your voice by sending your own message in support of the CCIA to Governor Cuomo.
Stop the Money Pipeline Campaign
Stop the Money Pipeline did a Christmas-themed protest Saturday, December 19, at Chase bank on 9th Street and 5th Avenue in Park Slope. Passers-by scanned our QR code and, in doing so, signed a letter to Chase CEO and Chairman Jamie Dimon and joined our mailing list. We had a cozy cardboard fireplace and coal-filled stockings for Jamie. We sang carols to encourage him to change his evil ways and help save the planet. We hope to do many more protests of this sort in the near future. To join the next time, please email us at [email protected].
Get Involved in one of our Campaigns or Committees!
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.
City Action Committee’s mission is to make Brooklyn and New York City lead in climate policy and in long-term organizing to make those policies effective. Current campaigns: The Renewable Rikers Act, Fighting Peaker Plants, Electric School Buses (Int. 455), and Department of Sustainability and Climate Change (Int. 1399). Use this google form to connect with City Action.
The Climate Idea Exchange works to deepen public understanding of the climate crisis, breaking it down into manageable topics and showing how to take action locally. We work both independently and in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library, and we're developing a podcast series. email [email protected].
350BK Families organizes activities that bring children, youth, and their adults together for the climate. Current projects include pushing for the creation of 529 college savings plans that are free of fossil fuel investments. email [email protected].
Gowanus Neighborhood Coalition for Justice is a diverse coalition focused on equity, inclusion, justice, and economic and environmental sustainability. 350Brooklyn is part of this coalition, which is working to ensure that the rezoning of the Gowanus area honors the needs of all community members. email [email protected].
Legislation focuses on federal and New York State climate legislation. Current campaigns are NY Renews (to pass the Climate Community Investment Act), the Green New Deal, and stopping the repowering of the Gowanus power plant (with 350BK's City Action). email [email protected].
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. This group writes press releases and promotional copy, creates graphics, keeps tabs on 350BK's social media presence, and runs the new 350BK blog. email [email protected].
Stop the Money Pipeline plans and participates in direct actions that pressure financial institutions to stop funding deforestation and fossil fuel industries. We are part of a national movement targeting New York-based corporations, including Chase Bank and BlackRock Investment Management. email [email protected].
Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet biweekly 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 [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.
