Citizens' Climate Lobby

CCL Training: What’s in the Fifth National Climate Assessment Report?

Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will discuss the latest landmark National Climate Assessment report. This is essentially an America-specific version of the IPCC report, outlining climate trends, impacts, and solutions in each region of the country.

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/NCA5-slides 
5th National Climate Assessment: https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/   
CCL's Nerd Corner: https://cclusa.org/nerd-corner 

Amanda Ripley | December 2023 Monthly Speaker | Author and Investigative Journalist

Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, a Washington Post contributing columnist, an investigative journalist and the co-founder of Good Conflict, LLC. Her books include High Conflict, The Smartest Kids in the World and The Unthinkable. To discuss her writing, Amanda has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX News and NPR. She has spoken at the Pentagon, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Amanda was a keynote speaker at CCL's June 2022 conference. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdWewHSuvaw)

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Mark's Intro & Updates
(4:25) Chapter Highlights From The Field
(7:59) Discussion w/ Amanda Ripley
(20:40) Q&A From Volunteers
(30:15) CCL's 2023 Highlights
(39:01) Ending w/ CCL TV 

December Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet 
Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/892766733 
Amanda Ripley’s website: https://www.amandaripley.com/  
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/2023-ccl-highlights 
Help Support CCL: https://cclusa.org/donate 

CCL Training: 2023 End of Year Media Opportunities

Join CCL Communications staff for a training that will provide a review of important end of the year media opportunities including CCL's Letters To The Editor Topics and Op-Ed Templates resources. The training starts by having media managers share their proudest media successes of the year, and then we cover our latest resources and opportunities to help you end the year strong. We also hear from Susan Atkinson, a Colorado CCLer with an incredible success rate for pitching and publishing op-eds. Susan shares how she generates ideas and valuable tips for making it into print and building relationships with local opinion editors.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:45) Sharing Successes
(9:13) Our Year's Media Accomplishments in Review
(14:50)  Media Resources Updates
(21:43) Susan Atkinson Interview

Helpful resources:
LTE Topics: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/456 
Op-Ed Templates: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/431 
Writers Circle: https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/home/992 
Presentation Slides:  https://cclusa.org/year-end-media-opportunities 

CCL Training: Update on State-Level Implementation of Inflation Reduction Act Climate Funds

Join Nick Burger, Deputy Director of Energy Administration in D.C.'s Department of Energy & Environment, for an overview of how state-level entities are applying for grants related to the Inflation Reduction Act and the important dates in the application process. Nick will also highlight helpful resources to use to estimate benefits in terms of climate reductions and other co-benefits as well as how CCL volunteers that want to be a support to their local city/state planning offices can be most effective in helping provide public support and momentum.

Tracker- Home Energy Rebates Program: Status of State Applications: https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebates-program-status-state-applications 

How States Are Applying: https://www.naseo.org/members-states 

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/local-implementation-ira-slides 

The Impact of Forests in our Climate Change Fight

In this episode host Peterson Toscano guides us through an exploration of the role forests play in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, both in urban and rural settings. Six guests provide personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies that will inform and inspire climate advocates. This episode also delves into Pennsylvania's rich forest history, from its old-growth forests to modern-day conservation efforts, highlighting the legacy of sustainable stewardship by its original inhabitants.

Toscano notes, "PA has a legacy of being one of the more heavily-wooded states in the USA... But If you walk through the over 15 million acres of forests in Pennsylvania, only 1% of that is original old growth forest." This fact highlights the dramatic changes our landscapes have undergone and the need for renewed focus on forest conservation.

Creating a Campus Food Forest

If you want to make a difference on your own campus or in your community, students at Allegheny college have an answer for you. A Food Forest. Ashlynn Peachey, Nicholas Waddington, and Katie Mowry,, students at Allegheny College talk about their pioneering Food Forest project.  

Ashlynn Peachey: "It really started when one student years ago came to Allegheny College with a passion for permaculture... We like to look around the college landscape and see, not what it is, but what it can be." That student, Sebastian McRae, helped to found a campus Sustainable Design Team. 

Nicholas Waddington, describes their project: "A food forest is a diverse planting... it provides a lot of climate and ecosystem services." He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between different plant species and their collective role in enhancing ecosystem health.

It was at the Northeast Student Farmer Conference held at Penn State University that CCR host, Peterson Toscano attended the students’ breakout group about their successes in building campus support for the Food Forest. During the presentation they explain the steps they took to engage stakeholders, to design the Food Forest and to follow through once the project was approved.  Their story is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts and the importance of gaining community support.

Nicholas Waddington: "From our combined years of engagement with this project, we've really taken away that climate and campus resilience is hugely community-driven... We're stronger and more productive when we work together."

In this episode you will learn about sustainable agriculture and permaculture, (a word Bill Mollison coined,) and how you can replicate their success on your own campus or community.

Raising the Awareness of a Healthy Forest Sustainability Legacy and our Responsibility Today

Former forester and coal miner, Van Wagner, now teaches Agriculture Science at the Area High School in Danville, Pennsylvania. He is also a singer/songwriter and storyteller. Van Wagner offers a historical perspective, emphasizing the longevity of sustainable practices. 

"I laugh when I read in my textbook, and in the textbook it says that the environmental movement began in 1970 with the first Earth Day... That's not when it started. My German ancestors here in the Susquehanna River Valley, they knew about sustainability, you didn't ruin the family farm, you didn't cut all the trees down." -Van Wagner

In order to increase efforts to maintain and protect forests in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Van has committed himself to visiting the highest point in the 67 counties and climbing the tallest tree he can find. Van explains, I'm trying to get the press's attention. And when they stick a microphone in my face, I talk about trees and forestry.”

You can follow his progress on the site Van Wagner Highest Climbs. Also, see him climbing in videos on his YouTube channel. 

Expanding the Legacy of Tree Growing in Small Country Towns and Big Cities

Forests and Climate Change: Urban Renewal and Rural Stewardship

Taylor Lightman grew up in the Borough of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, (population 5232) “a delightfully cozy little town nestled on the banks, the Susquehanna River, one of the oldest river valleys in the world, older than the Nile.” He then went to college in Northfield, Minnesota and then to grad school in Lund, Sweden where he completed a Master's in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. 

Today Taylor is the program Manager for Lewisburg Neighborhoods. He says, “I'm trying to figure out a way to do climate smart neighborhood revitalization. I think there's no better place to do that than in one's hometown”

In this episode Taylor talks about the importance of growing trees in towns and cities. 

"Trees are doing a lot of things for us. Streets with trees on them, the shops do better...people are driving on streets and roads with trees, they behave less aggressively too." 

His insights reveal the extensive benefits of urban trees beyond just environmental impact. 

Nerd Corner

Dana Nuccitelli considers the question: what are the different ways we would benefit from planting more trees in cities and towns? This question is critical to CCLs healthy forest policy area. In regards to addressing the causes of climate change, Dana says, "Planting more urban trees in the U.S. has the potential to capture up to 100 million tons of carbon dioxide pollution per year." 

But wait there's more! Urban tree planting offers multifaceted benefits, enhancing climate resilience, physical and mental health, and fostering active lifestyles and community well-being.

And there is important work for us to do. Dana says,  

"But while people in communities with more trees live longer, happier, healthier lives on average, America has a tree inequity problem. Communities of color have 33% less tree canopy on average than majority white communities." 

To learn more Dana encourages you to visit Check TreeEquityScore.org to see where tree planting would be the most effective in your community to remedy this tree inequity problem. 

Check out Dana’s recent post about The little-known physical and mental health benefits of urban trees. Keep up to speed with climate science, policy, and economics research by visiting The Nerd Corner website. 

 

Take a Meaningful Next Step

Are you someone who wants to see legislation passed to protect, maintain, and promote healthy forests? That is exactly what we are doing through Citizens Climate Lobby. One of the four climate solutions we pursue is healthy forests. We need your voice to be part of the movement that is promoting healthy forests. Here are 10 steps you can take to make to address the causes and impacts of climate change.

Ten meaningful steps you can take to promote healthy forests

1. Learn about Citizens Climate Lobby’s Healthy Forests Climate Solutions and take the Healthy Forests Beginners or Advanced online training sessions. You can also read and share the article, Why are forests important for mitigating climate change?
2. If you are a college student, visit Citizens Climate Lobby’s Higher Education Team’s Actions Page. Learn about the College #CarbonFeeAndDividendMovement.
3. Participate in Community Tree Planting Events: Engage in local tree planting initiatives or donate to tree planting efforts. If you live in Pennsylvania, check out 10 Million Trees. 
4. Volunteer for Urban Forestry Projects: Support urban forestry projects in your community. Check out American Forests for volunteer opportunities.
5. Advocate for Tree Equity: Work towards ensuring that all communities, especially underprivileged ones, have equal access to tree canopy benefits.
6. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the benefits of urban trees and share this knowledge. The Arbor Day Foundation provides educational resources.
7. Support Local Sustainability Initiatives at Schools and Universities: Encourage and participate in sustainability projects. Contact local educational institutions to find out how you can help.
8. Engage in Community Science Projects: Participate in local environmental monitoring and research. Platforms like iNaturalist offer opportunities for citizen science.
9. Promote and Support Local Green Spaces: Advocate for the maintenance and development of green spaces in urban areas. Collaborate with local parks departments or environmental groups.
10. Implement Permaculture Practices in Your Community: Start or join a permaculture project to promote sustainable land use. Resources and guides are available at Permaculture Research Institute.

Listener Survey

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#CCL2023 Fall Conference: Improving Lives Through Game-Changing Climate Cooperation

In 1992, the world agreed to “prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. In 2023, we are seeing dangerous climate impacts play out everywhere, constantly. Risk, harm, and cost, are all piling up. Lives and livelihoods are at risk, around the world. We may be, however, on the brink of a major breakthrough in the acceleration of global climate action. For the first time, Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement will be materially on the table at the annual United Nations Climate Change negotiations; that means we can finally talk about nation-by-nation carbon pricing, cooperative climate clubs of aligned pricing and incentives, and the ultimate goal of establishing a future of climate-smart trade, finance, and everyday economics. Join Citizens’ Climate International in this seminar to learn more.

Join us: https://citizensclimate.earth/ 

#CCL2023 Fall Conference: Motivational Interviewing For Climate Advocacy: A Deeper Dive

Transform the way you communicate with members of Congress and folks in your community with motivational interviewing. This workshop led by CCL’s Great Lakes Regional Coordinator John Sabin will review the basics of the technique, including incorporating open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. Attendees will then take a deeper dive into the process of "evoking change talk," to effectively communicate about climate solutions. This informative session will also include a reflection on how CCL's "one rule" — to treat all people with respect, appreciation, and gratitude — can serve as a guiding light in all of our climate conversations. Time will be included for practice and live coaching.

CCL Community Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/123 

#CCL2023 Fall Conference: Putting the Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Credits In Action

Join Dana Nuccitelli, CCL Research Coordinator, and Kristin Eberhard, Director of State and Local Policy at Rewiring America, to explore the many incentives of the Inflation Reduction Act and how to take advantage of these benefits. Individuals, homeowners, municipalities and schools can all reap the rewards from a variety of programs and grants available to encourage clean energy product purchases, building upgrades, and building weatherization. Get essential tips on how to talk about these incentives in your community outreach and bring your questions.

CCL Community Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/inflation-reduction-act 
More info: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/inflation-reduction-act/ 

#CCL2023 Fall Conf: Resilient Climateering: Staying Strong & Steady in the Face of Climate Change

Whether it’s the grueling nature of our long-term work or the overwhelm from concerning headlines about climate, it can be hard to have the energy and motivation to keep pushing for solutions. Thankfully, we have CCL’s Education and Resilience Coordinator, Tamara Staton, on hand to offer practical ideas and tools for how to combine joy with responsibility in a way that helps us worry a bit less, and act a bit more on climate.

CCL Community Resilience Hub: https://cclusa.org/resilience 

#CCL2023 Fall Conference: Make Your Lobby Meetings Memorable

Who says lobby meetings should be formal? Learn about the fun and inventive ways Western NC, Utah, and Maine CCL chapters have engaged their members of Congress outside of conventional lobby meetings. From farm visits, to ping pong tournaments, and En-ROADS workshops, CCLers are ensuring their elected officials walk away from meetings they won’t forget.