France is melting. Wildfires have broken out in Spain. The midwest continues to drown. All in all, the extent of the climate emergency has never been more apparent. That's why the recent climate victories in New York—however qualified—are coming none too soon. We have much to feel great about. On June 21, after a three year campaign by NY Renews coalition, Albany passed a modified version of the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA)—now called the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. A little over a week later, New York City declared a climate emergency, becoming the largest municipality in the Western Hemisphere to do so. The politicians are finally paying attention. Things are looking up.
Yet declarations are not solutions. That’s why we continue to lobby, march, shout, and strategize about things like stopping the Williams Pipeline for good, getting local representatives signed onto the Green New Deal, and ensuring environmental justice in Gowanus. 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg advised us all to act as though our house was on fire—since it is—and we can feel good going into the summer knowing that we’re heeding that call. Onwards!
Tell the DEC to Reject the Williams Pipeline—AGAIN!
After its application was denied in mid-May, Williams reapplied on May 29, after which the DEC gave the public just two scant weeks to comment on the re-application. But the coalition has persuaded the DEC to extend that deadline to July 12.
350Brooklyn Families:Schumer, Jeffries, Park Cleanup, and More
350Brooklyn Families has been busy the last couple of weeks since our June 9th action outside Senator Schumer's house. After having our box of letters from kids to Schumer rejected by the doorman, a small group of us successfully delivered them to his office in person. One of his staffers fielded our questions and assured us the letters would go "straight to the top!"
The very next day, some of us joined a rally outside Hakeem Jeffries office to push him to support an amendment that would block the government from using clean energy funds to support fossil fuels projects. Shortly after, the legislation passed in the House!
Looking to the future, we're planning for a fun and productive summer with a park cleanup event and some at-home actions you can do with kids. If you'd like to hear more and you're not already on the 350Brooklyn Families mailing list, send a message to [email protected] and we will add you. If you're already signed up but would like to get more involved, drop us a line!
How is 350Brooklyn doing? What's working and what's not? How are we making a difference?
For our July meeting, we'll be taking stock of our amazing work over the past six months, which has accomplished quite a bit. We've seen the passage of game-changing climate and plastics legislation in New York City and Albany, a temporary victory over the Williams Pipeline, the launch of 350BK Families and new environmental justice initiatives in Gowanus, and so much more.
At the meeting, we'll be assessing all of this through a panel discussion before concluding with a hands-on workshop on effectively talking to politicians and neighbors about the climate crisis. Come early to hang out with your fellow climate activists, meet with your campaign group, or have a beer or a bite to eat.
United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019
Beginning September 23, world leaders will gather at the UN in New York to discuss their plans to combat climate change, and the New York climate movement will be there in full force throughout the week to keep the pressure on. Many events are in the works, including support for the youth climate strike on Friday September 20 and a large-scale non-violent civil disobedience action planned for later in the week. If you're interested in taking part, contact us at [email protected]. You won't want to miss this!
Summer Reads: Bill McKibben's Falter
Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, recently published Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? McKibben's work is brilliantly insightful on the topic of the climate crisis, the role of the Right in American politics, and the many solutions that we have left. Grab it before you head to the beach: we'll be discussing the book briefly at our September meeting.
Become a Monthly Supporter of 350Brooklyn
As an all-volunteer organization, it is remarkable what we have accomplished. This year alone, we have stopped a pipeline, helped pass the CCPA, started a families group, built relationships with elected officials, created coalition partnerships, marched and chanted, and called and educated people about the climate crisis.
But we could do even more. Commit to monthly support of $5, $25, $50 or $100 a month and help us take 350Brooklyn to the next level.
350Brooklyn takes local action to solve the climate crisis. We are an all-volunteer organization and welcome people of all backgrounds, skills, and availability. Interested in volunteering? Contact [email protected]. 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? Donate here.
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