Table of Contents: Climate-related disasters Take action this week Featured lever: Media  Upcoming trainings

Climate-related disasters unfolding this summer are beyond the scope of anything most people could have imagined, and they serve as a warning: We dare not blow this chance, finally, to enact policies that address climate change.

Throughout our nation, few places have escaped the impact of a climate altered by rising temperatures:

• In Tennessee, 22 people perished and dozens remain missing after horrific flooding caused by extreme rain, up to 17 inches within 24 hours. NPR’s Rebecca Hersher said, “It was another deadly example of climate change.”
• In California, 42,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes in the face of wildfires raging out of control.
• Out West, a drought is forcing water rationing throughout the Colorado River water system. 
• A rare tropical storm hit the Northeast, where Henri caused $12 billion in damage.

Has your area been affected by climate change this summer? Take a few minutes to share your story with your representative and urge them to make sure that a price on carbon is included in legislation moving forward this year. We’re in the final week of our campaign with the House, and personal stories are one of the most powerful ways to influence members of Congress.

In other news this week:

Keep track of Congress’ next steps: Even if you’re keeping an eye on political news, you may still be a little fuzzy on the various legislative packages that Congress is working on right now. The latest news is that the House passed its version of the budget resolution, which kicks off the reconciliation process in that chamber, and it scheduled a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package for Sept. 27. Revisit this blog post from earlier in August to learn more about the infrastructure package, the budget reconciliation process, and what you can be doing to help pass a carbon price this year. (And don’t forget, key Senators are also pushing for a carbon price, even if you’re not seeing it in the news!)

Another cosponsor for H.R. 2307: Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) became the 80th cosponsor of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act this week. You can show your appreciation by replying to and retweeting our post on Twitter. 

Native American support for carbon pricing: An op-ed published in Indian Country Today has endorsed the Save Our Future Act, carbon pricing legislation introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whithouse (D-RI). If you have a progressive member of Congress concerned about environmental justice, share this piece with them.

Group Development Coaches: Are you an experienced CCL volunteer in a healthy chapter and would like to help other groups get started and thrive? We’re relaunching the Group Development Coaches team, which will conduct monthly support calls for coaches. The team’s first Zoom meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 2. RSVP for the call here.

Braver Angels workshop Saturday: Climate change can be a polarizing topic, especially when it comes to talking about solutions. Bridging the Divide on Climate Solutions, a Braver Angels workshop designed in collaboration with CCL, teaches people to talk more constructively with each other about solutions to climate change. Register here.