What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog

Climate Change Hearing & Presentations ~ November 10, 2009

Hearing of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change that I‘ll be hosting in Seekonk to discuss the national security and environmental impacts of global warming.
 
We will have two speakers:
 
David Janik, South Coastal Regional Coordinator for the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, will be giving a presentation on “Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Communities and Infrastructure.”
 
Alex Cornell du Houx, Campaign Director of Operation Free whose mission statement is “Secure America with Clean Energy,” will be presenting on “Security Implications of Climate Change.”  He is also a representative in the Maine State Legislature.
 
The hearing is open to the public.  I encourage you invite anyone who might be interested in attending.
 
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Seekonk High School Auditorium
(261 Arcade Ave., Seekonk, MA)
 
Steve D'Amico
State Representative, 4th Bristol District
State House, Room 39
Boston, MA  02133
Rep.StevenD'Amico@Hou.State.MA.US
T: (617) 722-2014
F: (617) 626-0855

Northeast Biochar Symposium ~ November 13, 2009

Northeast Biochar Symposium 2009

13 November 2009

University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA

This Symposium will highlight current biochar research and technological advances and provide vital information to public officials, researchers, foresters, and sustainable energy and agriculture professionals. Biochar is considered a significant strategy for removing net carbon from the atmosphere for safe storage in soil, enhancing forest resources and preventing land degradation, and creating clean energy from agricultural stover and forest biomass. Panels will include discussion of the use of biochar for land application and fertility and the role of biochar in the UNFCCC climate talks.

International Day of Climate Action ~ October 24, 2009

Rhode Islanders to Observe International Day of Climate Action on October 24

Rhode Islanders will gather to participate in International Day of Climate Action in Newport, Wakefield, and Providence on October 24. Organized by 350.org, the International Day of Climate Action has been called to encourage the U.S. government to take strong action now, and for the World leaders to take strong action at the Copenhagen meeting in December.

Scientific evidence indicates that the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a result of burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is devastating our planet, noted Paul Beaudette, President of the Environment Council of Rhode Island.

“Projected sea level rise due to the melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet will be at least 5 feet over the next 100 years” reported Greg Gerritt, an organizer of the Rhode Island activities and founder of the think tank Prosperity For Rhode Island. “Rhode Island beaches that are a key to our tourism industry will vanish, and much of Providence's downtown infrastructure will be below sea level.  We must take strong action now to reduce fossil fuel consumption to prevent this disaster.”

Rhode Island events on October 24

Newport: A noon gathering on Easton's Beach the Newport Energy and Environment Commission will announce the opening of the Neighborhood Energy Challenge.

Wickford: At 2 p.m., a talk by climate activist Christine Muller at Peace Dale Congregational Church, followed by ringing church bells throughout southern Rhode island.

Providence: 9 a.m. workshops on climate issues and effective media at the First Unitarian Church on Benefit St and letter writing to federal representatives, followed at noon by a rally at Waterplace Park that will focus on the projected sea level rise that threatens to wipe out many iconic Rhode Island landmarks and beaches. The rally will include children’s activities, The Beneficent Congregational Church Choir Chanting, drumming and singing , speakers, and a photograph of the entire crowd in a 350 configuration .
The events are free and open to the public. Organizations that wish to provide climate change information can table at the events if they preregister with the Environment Council at 401-621-8048. Everyone is encouraged to bring signs to all of the events.

More information on local Climate Action Day events can be found at the 350.org <http://350.org/> website and by contacting the Environment Council of Rhode Island (www.environmentcouncilri.com <http://www.environmentcouncilri.com/> ) and RI Interfaith Power and Light (www.riipl.org <http://www.riipl.org/> ). 

World Climate Awareness Day in RI ~ Workshops & Write-a-thon ~ October 24, 2009

World Climate Awareness Day

In conjunction with “350.org”

Workshops and Write-a-thon
Saturday, 24 October 2009 - 9:00am - 12:00pm

First Unitarian Church Parish House, Providence.

Want to help tackle the world climate crisis?

Join us for a morning of workshops and a write-a-thon as part of 350.Org's World Climate Awareness Day.

 Our event's objective is to raise awareness about the need to reduce atmospheric CO2 from the current level of 388 PPM (parts per million) to less than 350 PPM, the safe upper limit for CO2.  

Join the following workshop leaders as they describe methods to limit our own CO2 emissions, push for large scale policy change, and affect public opinion through networking and media OpEd pieces.

Dr. Polly Walker - Associate Director, John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Topic - How Individual Food Choices can Impact Our Environment.

 

Mr. David Brown - Independent Energy Consultant –

Topic - Home Energy Conservation Strategies

 

Mr. Robert Whitcomb - Providence Journal Editorial Editor,

Topic - How to Write an OpEd Piece and Get It Published
 

Dr. David W. Oliver - Phd. MIT Physics, Corporate Strategy Consultant and Environmental Policy Activist

Topic - Must Have Standards in Energy Legislation

 

Mr. Ben Schreckinger and Mr. Sydney Ember- Brown University Students

Topic - Using the New Media to Build Public Opinion

Take action on what you learn at the workshops by participating in a write-a-thon held throughout the morning.   Use speaking points to craft your own letters or base your thoughts on model letters urging President Obama to establish enforceable emission standards reducing CO2 to less than 350 PPM by the year 2050 at the December 2009 Copenhagen World Climate Conference. 

Knowledgeable letter writers will be encouraged to include suggestions on how CO2 reduction can be accomplished with measures such as national policies requiring replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy technology and energy conservation measures.

Participants will leave the event with a better idea of both what to do individually and how to advocate for policy change in reducing CO2 emissions.

Bioneers by the Bay ~ October 22-25, 2009

5th Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change 
October 22-25, 2009 | Downtown New Bedford, MA
 
Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change, the Marion Institute’s 5th annual conference will be held in historic Downtown New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009. Bioneers by the Bay provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to meet with environmental, scientific, and social justice innovators to address the Earth’s most pressing challenges. We are planning a rather remarkable three days of live keynote speakers, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference in California [www.bioneers.org], an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, a 350 Day of Action event, films, music, art installations, a farmers’ market and local & organic food. If you purchase your 3 day pass before September 18th, you will save 30% off of the regular admission price. Also we have scholarships and volunteer opportunities available—if you want to come to the conference we want to help get you there. For more information, please visit connectingforchange.org or call 508.748.0816

Cranston Signs US Mayors Protection Agreement~Press Conference at City Hall ~ April 24, 2008

From Pawtuxet River Authority:

Mayor Napolitano to Announce Cranston as
One of Nation’s Coolest Cities
Mayor Napolitano to Form Special City Climate Task Force

[Cranston]-- In honor of Earth Week and Mayor Michael Napolitano’s leadership in curbing global warming, the Sierra Club will present an award to Mayor Napolitano for making Cranston one of the nation’s Cool Cities.

Recently, Mayor Napolitano signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, joining 3 other mayors in Rhode Island and over 830 other mayors nationwide who are taking action to re-energize their communities with proven innovative local energy solutions such as cleaner car fleets, energy efficiency and renewable energy. As a first action under the Agreement, Mayor Napolitano will announce a new City Climate Task Force comprised of local Cranston citizens.

The news conference at Cranston City Hall will feature remarks by Mayor Napolitano, local volunteer Peter Baptista, and Sierra Club Chapter Director Chris Wilhite
.
When: Thursday, April 24, at 10:30a.m

Where: Cranston City Hall Front

Visuals: Visuals will include information about the Sierra Club’s Cool Cities campaign will be available, including the Sierra Club’s 16 page guide, “Cool Cities: Solving Global Warming One City at a Time,” a resource for citizens and local officials who are ready to take action to reduce energy waste and heat-trapping global warming pollution.

RHODE ISLAND LEADERS DISCUSS GLOBAL WARMING'S THREATS TO WILDLIFE ~ April 21, 2008

From Irreplaceable Campaign:

RHODE ISLAND LEADERS DISCUSS GLOBAL WARMING'S THREATS TO WILDLIFE

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, state and city officials host Earth Day talk at "Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World" exhibit

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island  -  April 21, 2008  - With compelling photographs of animals and plants threatened by global warming as a backdrop, representatives of three levels of government came together today to speak out on the issue of global climate change on the eve of Earth Day.

Speaking at the Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World exhibit in downtown Providence, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) focused his remarks on the plight of imperiled species and habitats affected by global warming. The senator, joined by R.I. State Representative Art Handy and Providence City Councilman Cliff Wood, spoke to an audience of community and faith-based groups, environmental advocates and students, then toured  the exhibit with audience members.

Global warming will become a leading cause of species extinction in the coming decades. Recognizing this threat, Senator Whitehouse has sponsored legislation -- the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act (S. 2204) -- to protect wildlife threatened by climate change. Representative Handy has also taken the lead,  introducing the Rhode Island Global Warming Solutions Act, which calls for statewide caps on emissions as other states, including California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Washington, have adopted.

"Global climate change impacts our entire planet, and every one, and every thing, on it," said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.  "As we celebrate Earth Day, I hope these stunning photographs, and the plight of the species they depict, will inspire more people in Rhode Island to press for urgent action to address the challenge of global climate change and its devastating effects on our wildlife and our oceans."

Enviromental Action 2008 ~ March 15, 2008

From Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group:

Register now!
Environmental Action 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008

New England’s largest conference for citizen activists protecting public health and the environment
ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING WITH THE EXPERTS – LEARN NEW SKILLS – NETWORK –BE INSPIRED

Join hosting organizations Toxics Action Center, Environment Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, and dozens of cosponsoring organizations, including Clean Water Action and Alternatives for Community and Environment at the Environmental Action 2008 conference on March 15, 2008 at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

Keynote Speaker: Gary Cohen is a founder and Co-Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm, the international campaign for environmentally responsible healthcare.  He is also the Executive Director of the Environmental Health Fund, which works on domestic and global chemical safety issues. He is the co-author of Fighting Toxics (Island Press, 1990) and the groundbreaking report, "The U.S. Military's Toxics Legacy." 

The conference will offer over 25 workshops to help you tackle climate change, ensure clean drinking water, phase out persistent toxic chemicals, and develop skills and strategies to create a healthy and safe community, including:

* Winning the Support of Elected Officials
* Fundraising 202
* Raise your Legislative IQ
* Detoxify Your House
* Interpreting Environmental Test Results
* The Update from Beacon Hill
* Local Activities to Combat Global Warming
*Water Privatization and Water Bottling

Environmental Action 2008 will be a day to share strategies, recognize victories, and be inspired to go back to our communities and continue the work to further efforts to protect the environment.
See a list of conference workshops, browse the silent auction prizes, learn more about the speaker, see who is cosponsoring the event, register, and get to Wentworth at www.toxicsaction.org <http://www.toxicsaction.org> over the upcoming weeks.

Registration is $50 to cosponsor, including two entries. Individuals are $30 pre-paid and $35 at the door. Breakfast, a reception, and childcare are included.

Email Meredith at info@toxicsaction.org, or call her at (617) 747-4362 with questions or to sign up for one-on-one coaching for environmental test results, legal help, health studies, fundraising, and organizing assistance. Register online at www.toxicsaction.org/ <http://www.toxicsaction.org/confregMA08.html> .

Please forward this email to others who may be interested in this day of informative speakers, workshops, inspiration and networking.
--
Laura Brion
Program Associate
Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group
9 South Angell Street, Floor 2, Providence, RI 02906
(401) 421-6578

Global Warming ~ Science vs. Politics ~ March 3, 2008

From ECRI:

Global Warming-Science vs. Politics
Monday, March 3, 2 p.m., in Alger 110, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI

Members of the RIC campus community are invited to attend a special presentation on Global Warming-Science vs. Politics, by Richard L. Lindzen. Lindzen currently holds the Alfred P. Sloan professorship in atmospheric sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He previously held professorships at both Harvard University and at the` University of Chicago. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advance of Science, the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union. For over 20 years he has been disturbed over the way the global warming issue has conflated relatively innocuous and commonly accepted science, extremely implausible disaster scenarios and drastic policy recommendations that have little potential to impact climate regardless of one's views.  His lecture will attempt to sort all of this out.

Standford Demars

Focus the Nation ~ Rhode Island Edition ~ January 28 - February 1, 2008

From Focus the Nation, Providence Journal, and Providential Gardener:

[Ed. Note: This week, local colleges and universities are participating in a national teach-in on Climate Change called FOCUS THE NATION. I did not get the info early enough to enter everything ~ I had only found the Brown U info. Even the Providence Journal could not find announcements of the local activities as late as yesterday. Perhaps announcements were in the Phoenix or other local newspapers, and surely the campus newspapers had announcements. Hundreds of professors at RI colleges and universities are participating this week....

At any rate, if meetings are open to the public, folks need advance notice. Send meeting announcements out to lists and especially to WHAT GROWS ON IN RHODE ISLAND as soon as you know the dates of future meetings. ~ Sue Korté, The Providential Gardener]

A fairly comprehensive list of upcoming events is in Projo 2/29/08, reporting on Senator Whitehouse's lecture yesterday at Brown. They include showings of the film, The 2% Solution. This morning, I'm putting everything that seems like it might be open to the public in the What Grows On in Rhode Island Calendar., so check that, and also check the events listings on local campus websites:

• Brown University   (e.g., Religion & the Environment panel discussion Tuesday 4:30, List 110)
• Bryant University   (I don't see any public announcements listed)
  
• Johnson & Wales University (Dan Grossman, Global Meltdown: What's Happening to the World's Ice? Xavier Auditorium, Wednesday, 11:30am)
• Providence College  (Film "The Two Percent Solution," Wednesday, 8pm, Slavin Center, Room 64)
• Roger Williams University   (I don't see any relevant public announcements listed, though)
• Salve Regina University   (There's a Focus the Nation webcast on Wednesday, but I'm not sure it's open to the public - sk)
• University of RI (Film "The Two Percent Solution," Wednesday 7:30pm to midnight, Memorial Union, Atrium 2; Coastal Institute, Weaver Auditorium, and Rodman Hall, Room 207: Participation in a live video conference with Congress & viewing of the film)