350 CHICAGO

Your bi-weekly newsletter for all things climate-related

March 19, 2021

Climate News Roundup

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, with vaccination on the horizon, many people are eagerly watching for signs that life is returning to normal. But in the case of greenhouse gas emissions, a return to pre-pandemic normalcy isn’t a good thing. Global carbon emissions decreased in 2020 while people around the world were in lockdown, but by December, emissions levels were higher than they had been before the pandemic.

The Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package focuses on both COVID and environmental justice, devoting $100 million to fight air pollution in marginalized communities (exposure to air pollution is a risk factor for severe illness from COVID). Biden has also approved Vineyard Wind, a major offshore wind farm project in Massachusetts. The farm is expected to start powering homes in 2023 and could provide up to 20% of the state’s total energy by 2035. Meanwhile, Republicans in the Texas Senate are pushing a bill that would withdraw investment funds from companies who boycott the fossil fuel industry. The bill is a reaction to fossil fuel divestment, which is becoming increasingly common among banks and investors.

If you enjoy podcasts, check out these two episodes on clean energy: The Energy Gang explores utility net zero pledges and the need for a national clean energy standard, while The Interchange sheds light on the future of battery technology.

Upcoming 350 Chicago Meetings & Events

Please contact committee leads or [email protected] for assistance with remote meeting arrangements.

CEJA Action Hour

Saturday, March 27, 12:00pm CST

Join fellow Climate Activists as we write our state legislators and Governor Pritzker in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA is the only comprehensive climate bill in Springfield focused on equitable job creation and economic recovery. The bill will bring Illinois to 100% clean energy while creating jobs and lowering utility bills.

Now is the time to focus on economic recovery and reinvestment! We’re ready to make sure Illinois leads the clean energy transition, building resilience in our infrastructure and our economy so we can stand strong and ready for the next crisis.

If you want to learn more about CEJA and how you can add your energy to the climate justice movement, join 350 Chicago, the Illinois Green Party, & the Sunrise Movement on March 27 at 1:00 PM CST for a virtual hour of action!

Registration is required: Register for CEJA Action Hour.

WHAT: CEJA Action Hour
WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 12:00pm CST
WHERE: Zoom Online

Slack Walkthrough & Launch

Saturday, March 27, 3:00pm CST

Learn more about 350 Chicago's launch of Slack! Check us out at 350chicago.slack.com, and join us for the official walkthrough of our Slack upgrade, including new features.

WHAT: 350 Chicago Slack Launch & Walkthrough
WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 3:00pm CST
WHERE: Zoom Online

350 Chicago - Clean Energy Jobs Act Forum

Thursday, April 8, 7:00pm - 8:30pm CST

350 Chicago will be hosting a moderated forum on the Clean Energy Jobs Act! We are so proud to be taking this next step in our growth as an organization to fight the climate crisis!

The forum will feature three distinguished panelists: 59th District Representative Daniel Didech; Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council; and Kari Lydersen, reporter for Midwest Energy News and lecturer at Northwestern University’s Medill Graduate School of Journalism. The panelists will discuss the challenges of developing and passing the legislation through the Illinois State House and Senate.

This discussion will be followed by a question and answer session, along with actions for individuals and organizations to take to further educate, organize, and advocate for the passing of the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

To register for the event, please use the following link: CEJA Forum Registration.

WHAT: CEJA Forum
WHEN: April 8, 7:00 - 8:30pm CST (US and Canada)
WHERE: Zoom Online

350 Chicago VIRTUAL Monthly Meeting

Greenline Homes

Saturday, April 10, 10:00am CST

Please join us via Zoom on April 10th to hear from Benjamin Van Horne, founder of Greenline Homes.

Greenline Homes of Chicago builds high-performance urban homes that are well-designed, sustainable, highly energy-efficient, ultra-comfortable, simple to maintain, and beautiful. They are building without displacement in former "redlined" and disinvested areas, mainly in Bronzeville and Woodlawn. They build net zero energy homes that produce more energy than they consume — through solar energy, high levels of insulation, air sealing, and carefully selected mechanicals and appliances — to deliver a better quality of life and at lower cost for homeowners and communities.

Join us to hear more about the structure of their homes and their mission in Chicago.

Website: https://www.greenlinehomes.com/

WHAT: 350 Chicago Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 6, 10:00am CST (US and Canada)
WHERE: Zoom Online

We’ll also be posting a recording of the meeting to our YouTube channel
in case you missed it.

Spring Virtual Environment Lobby Day

Thursday, April 26, 2021

Illinois’ lawmakers are back to work, which means it’s time for Illinoisans to make their voices heard on the environmental issues that matter to them. From clean water to clean energy to equitable & sustainable land use, now’s your chance to put these issues front of mind for the lawmakers elected to serve you!

Register to join environmentalists from across the state in meeting with their legislators, and lobbying for clean energy, lead-free water, and an equitable process for zoning throughout the state.

To register for the event, please use the following link: Virtual Lobby Day Registration.

WHAT: Virtual Environment Lobby Day
WHEN: Thursday, April 26, 2021
WHERE: Zoom Online

350 Chicago Committees - Get Involved!

350 Chicago Research Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 13, 6:00pm CST

Are you interested in getting involved with our group’s research efforts? We have plenty of projects in progress, including research on Chicago climate policy, nuclear energy, right-to-repair legislation, green hydrogen, and divestment. Please join us!

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, this meeting will be hosted via Google Hangouts.

Contact Alex McLeese for meeting access information and/or if you have any questions or would like to join us via Google Meetings.

350 Chicago Outreach Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 21, 6:00pm CST

Interested in getting involved in coalition-building and other grassroots efforts? We will discuss outreach to ally organizations, grassroots tactics to promote the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and strategies for building support for our divestment campaign. We hope to see you soon!

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, this meeting will be hosted via Google Hangouts.

Contact Alex McLeese for meeting access information and/or if you have any questions or would like to join us via Google Meetings.