July Meeting: False Solutions: Going the Wrong Way on the Climate Crisis
Thursday, July 8, 7:30 pm EDT
Waste-to-Energy? Biofuels? Carbon capture? The hydrogen economy? Corporate America is full of “solutions” to the climate crisis. What are these visions for a techno-industrial future, and why should we in the climate movement be skeptical? Come hear Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright, Director of Environmental Justice at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, explain all this to us. With over ten years of policy analysis, community organizing, and outreach/advocacy experience, Anthony’s talk will be one you won’t want to miss!
Register for the July Meeting on Zoom.
We Need Your Voice for Green Space in Gowanus
Wednesday, June 30, 4:00 pm EDT
The public comment period for the impending rezoning of Gowanus is now. We have heard from elected officials that the top 3 demands of the Gowanus Neighborhood Coalition for Justice were heard loud and clear at the community board hearing on June 3 —see 350BK member Lynn Neuman quoted in coverage of the meeting. Now we need to start advocating for more green space in Gowanus, which is prone to urban heat island effect and contains less park space than is recommended by the City itself.
The Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ hearing is June 30 beginning at 4 pm with virtual and in-person options. More info here. We have been told by Adams’ office that verbal testimony will be weighted heavily in their consideration. Written testimony can also be submitted to [email protected]. Email [email protected] if you want talking points or a script for testifying. Let's make our voices heard!
Albany Wrap-Up
The New York State Legislature has wrapped up its session for 2021, and it was a disappointing one for the climate. The Climate and Community Investment Act, so critical to funding New York's landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, never made it out of committee in either House. While we in Brooklyn can be proud of the strong support almost all of our Albany representatives gave the CCIA, ultimately key elected officials from Westchester and Nassau Counties stonewalled the bill. NY Renews reports that the New York Business Council and fossil fuel interests lobbied hard to block the CCIA. Note that the Legislature was also offered other excellent bills that would have addressed our climate crisis, bills that would have allowed the NY Power Authority to invest in renewables, block the construction of new fossil fuel power plants, promote energy efficiency, and erect a moratorium on energy-gobbling cryptocurrency mining. None of these bills were voted on by the full Legislature, either. Fortunately, the 2021 session that begins in January is a continuation of this session. This means that all the bills keep their current numbers and sponsorships, so we can continue to work through the fall to be sure we get off to a strong start across the board in the new year. 2022 will be the year we get it done!
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.
City Action Committee’s mission is to make Brooklyn and New York City leaders not only in climate policy but also in the long-term actions and engagement needed to make those policies effective. Current campaigns include The Renewable Rikers Act, Fighting Peaker Plants, Electric School Buses, and the Department of Sustainability and Climate Change. 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 via Zoom to 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.
